ARMED AND DANGEROUS

In a day when piracy on the high seas still exists, traveling with firearms on board remains not only a personal choice but a safety issue as well

- CAMERON J. RHODES

When I think of pirates, I envision the likes of Capt. Jack Sparrow and other similar Hollywood characters. Fortunately, I've never had to contend with, or even consider, the threat of piracy at sea. However, after researching this article and speaking with seasoned captains who have experienced such incidents, my perspective has changed. While it might seem like a relic of a rum-drenched past, piracy is still a potential threat for sport-fishing crews and remains something to be prepared for today.

MODERN-DAY PIRACY

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea's abbreviated definition of "piracy" is "any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship or aircraft." While that's a lot of jargon, it can all be distilled simply to attacking or robbing ships at sea.

The International Maritime Bureau, a division of the International Chamber of Commerce, established its Piracy Reporting Centre in 1992 to assist with maritime safety. Following the United Nations' definition of "piracy," the center compiles data on piracy incidents around the world and publishes comprehensive reports.

In addition, the nonprofit organization offers a 24-hour hotline for crews to report active attacks.

Acting as a single point of contact, staff will relay all the necessary information to the area's proper authorities and warn other vessels in the vicinity. While much of its focus is on commercial shipping, the center also takes reports from other vessels, including fishing boats, yachts and other pleasure craft.

As of September 2023, 99 incidents had been reported for the year-a 10 percent increase from the year before.