DIY ANTI-PIRACY:

Shipowners arm themselves to ward off pirates (Tim Brooks, December 16. 2008, The National)

Major shipping and oil companies are arming staff and employing professional security firms to combat Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden. [...]

The plans were discussed yesterday at the Maritime Piracy Seminar at the Seatrade Exhibition in Dubai. Prior to the meeting, Mohammad Souri, the chairman of the National Iranian Tanker Company, said the presence of professional, armed security on board his vessels was key to combating the piracy threat. He said that five of his ships had been pursued by pirates.

“The industry is grateful for the support the EU has offered. If they can provide sufficient protection then the situation will be solved but we are negotiating terms to provide our own security on board."