by Barista Uno | Apr 25, 2011 | Piracy and Security
We used to detest the idea of arming merchant ships. Our position has been swiftly eroded. Somali pirate attacks continue unabated, and the pirates have proved to be a ruthless bunch. We now believe that the use of private armed escorts, at least, is necessary for ships transiting the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Now, not all who are in the business are gung-ho types who would shoot from the hips. One of those who belong to the opposite mould is James Canning Sr, whose FTS – Maritime Security we gladly recommend to shipowners. (more…)
by Barista Uno | Mar 6, 2011 | Latest Post
The maritime world – nay, Life itself – is full of ironies. That is, situations where there’s a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant or done, between what is expected and what actually happens. Ironies are a reminder of how complex and even disjointed reality is: things are not always as they appear. Being able to spot them can lead us to a better understanding of reality and perhaps of ourselves. Here’s a list of some ironies that can both amuse and baffle those engaged in the maritime industry, including bloggers like us: (more…)
by Barista Uno | Mar 4, 2011 | Media, Communications and Language, Piracy and Security
The escalating brutality of Somali pirates is appalling. But we don’t know what to make of the new anti-piracy campaign that was launched on the 1st of March by the same groups behind last year’s End Piracy Now! drive. The campaigners have dubbed it “Save Our Seafarers (SOS)” and they’re calling on people power – by the millions – to pressure governments to crack down on the maritime thugs. Have they been mesmerised by the revolt in Libya against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi? (more…)
by Barista Uno | Jan 27, 2011 | Piracy and Security
The international shipping community is loudly cheering the recent rescues of the hijacked chemical tankers Samho Jewelry and Bunga Laurel. We’re glad as well, but we’re not about to hyperventilate. The successful commando operations are small triumphs in the protracted war on piracy. The problem is that more people may now look upon the use of force as the best – and even the only – way to deal with the Great Plague. Unfortunately, BIMCO and three other shipping associations do little to counter this gung-ho attitude in their joint press release, which we reproduce here in full. ~Barista Uno (more…)
