Sometimes I hear long-range cruisers suggest that a flare gun could be a suitable pirate-defense weapon. While I’m in no position to offer a judgment on the merits of such a strategy, how about a flare gun Arnold Schwarzenegger would be proud of? 
No reader of this blog needs to be told that the risk from Piracy is real and growing. […] The response to this threat has been documented here on gCaptain repeatedly and, pending developments, the consensus concerning the appropriate response appears to be one that is restrained. Enter the “Less Lethal” suppliers. These companies provide munitions for crowd control as well as the weapons that project them.
A relatively recent entrant to this arena is Bates & Dittus LLC, a company based in Connecticut, USA. B&D manufactures a line of launchers that have found acceptance both with police and SWAT teams as well as companies that provide High Seas Security.
One of their clients, who only hire former SOF and experienced law enforcement officers, use such devices as part of a layered approach to high seas security.The flexibility of these weapons is something that is attractive to users as well as the fact that they do not require licenses (at least in the US). As such they can be purchased over the counter and included in ships stores as simple flare launchers. The thinking is that firing “disruptive” rounds, such as flares, flash-bangs and smoke, can create a threatening environment that would deter the potential depredations of the pirates, and with no loss of life.
Hmmmm. Well, I don’t think I’ll be packing one of these aboard Two Lucky Fish anytime soon! But then, I have the luxury of cruising in pirate-free waters.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Fortunately I have the same luxury as you Tim, but it really is amazing that this is a real concern for many people out there. However, if I did feel that I was in danger then I think I would need more than a flare gun for peace of mind.
I’m getting ready to sail my cat on a nice long around the world vacation. My defense is a 50 Caliber AR conversion. Has the longest ‘reach’ of almost any round available, and a clean shot to an engine will halt all forward progress… I honestly don’t know, or care what the law in international waters says.