What are the best anti-terrorism measures for cruise ships?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 15:29:35 -0500

Terrorists and pirates have attacked cruise ships in recent years. How likely are attacks on these ships in the near future? Are we doing all we can to keep terrorists at bay on cruise ships? How large is their soft target? Have you taken a recreational cruise recently? Were you allowed to carry and conceal? How effective is the 'no sail list' or is there one? Would you feel safe now on a cruise ship? Why or why not?

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Nov 18 at 2015 3:31 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 15:31:47 -0500

I think background checks on people, and security checks so any potential bomb making materials are searched. I think you can do quite a bit to mitigate risks, but can never completely get rid of them. It doesn't take many to wreak havoc, but they want to get as much damage as possible. Stadiums, large public events probably are their MO, but not discounting the affect they can have on cruise ships

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 3:33 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 15:33:10 -0500

Not leaving port?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 18 at 2015 3:44 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 15:44:31 -0500

The ability to blast approaching vessels and divers with a focused-directional ear-piercing sonic-blast of something which rattles them might be useful, non-lethal and relatively inexpensive CH (MAJ) William Beaver.
I would not want to expect passengers to participate in anti-boarding parties.
Letting prospective ports of call know that the cruise lines will no longer spend time [tourist $$$] in their ports, may be a strong incentive for nations to become more active in policing the sea lanes.

Response by Cpl Shane Cunningham made Nov 18 at 2015 5:17 PM

Cpl Shane Cunningham — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 17:17:26 -0500

If it's not pirates it's sinking ships. I'll stay on dry land.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 11:45 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 11:45:54 -0500

I echo what LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® stated. I haven't been on a cruise ship - but I would assume they have a security section? How robust is the typical security section aboard a cruise ship? And what kind of non-lethal/lethal means do they have? Those are the only questions I would add on top of MAJ Chang's statement on how you can mitigate potential risks of a pirate/terrorist attack on a cruise ship.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 26 at 2015 8:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 20:24:24 -0500

I read the cruise ships will use their water guns and speed as defensive measures.