Mar 18, 2008

Yachts Security: Why Must You Take It Seriously

When boarding your yacht, you need to entertain, relax or conduct business with complete peace of mind. The problem is that yachts are highly visible & vulnerable when compared to a villa for example… What security threats does a yacht really face?



Marinas are open to the public - anyone can walk up to your gang plank or moor up beside you. Owners & charter guests sometimes like to throw parties, bringing the possibility of gatecrashers & rowdy behavior. With an executive, celebrity, or VIP on board, a yacht can face other threats: paparazzi, kidnapping attempts, espionage & bugging.


Of course, whether your yacht is moored at port or on the open sea, piracy & theft are still very real risks, even today. Likewise the threats of terrorism & kidnapping have never been greater than in the current World climate. The ISPS (International Ship & Port Security) Code makes specific security obligations on vessels in certain categories, including charter yachts, to counter these threats.

A real risk from narcotics:
It's well known that some charter guests take illegal narcotics while on board, in spite of orders to the contrary from captain & crew. Unfortunately it's the captain & crew who'll be prosecuted if traces of those narcotics are found by the authorities, not to mention the yacht being impounded, & serious problems for the owner. National & international authorities now routinely search for narcotics when a yacht enters territorial waters. Their equipment is capable of detecting even microscopic traces of an illicit substance.

The different aspects of Yacht Security are as follows:

1. narcotics & explosives trace detection
2. expert maritime security personnel & divers
3. executive & celebrity close protection
4. mobile & fixed surveillance & intruder detection systems for yachts
5. perimeters, helicopters, helipads, & vehicles
6. yacht tracking & remote immobilization
7. counter surveillance sweeps for complete privacy on board
8. security training for crew
9. limousine service with trained security drivers

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