From the International Maritime Organization (IMO) "Guidance to Shipowners on Preventing Acts of Piracy":
...
(10) "In particular, they (Ship's
security plans) should address the dangers that may arise if a crew
member adopts an aggressive response to an attach. Early detection of a possible attack is THE MOST EFFECTIVE DETERRENT". ...
(45) "The carrying and use of firearms for personal protection or protection of a ship is strongly discouraged" ...
It's interesting & informative reading - See the full document (MSC/Circ.626/Rev.3)
http://www.imo.org/includes/blast_bi...941&format=PDF
And from MSC.4/Circ.32, Analysis Reports Annex 2 (2002 Summary):
Incidents where
Guns used by attackers = 50
Where Knives used = 95
Where No Weapons used or not reported = 139
Consequences to crew reported as:
Actual Viloence = 66
Threat of violence = 108
The "IMO" Home Page, /w lots of
Piracy Info' & Stat's:
http://www.imo.org/home.asp
International Maritime Organization
Regards & safe cruising,
Gord