I can appreciate you doing a bit of research and posting some statistics, however, those Coast Guard Statistics have nothing to do with global merchant shipping.
With rare exception, I do not advocate firearms on merchant vessels, and I do not think that any vessel should rely on non-lethal force to protect it. I believe in less lethal options and a sound operational plan to counter piracy in general. firearms have their place in defense but not in general merchant shipping.
If you are willing to accept that occasional law suit than you are advocating the occasional “OOPS” I’m sorry that was an accident. The consequences for that oops go a lot further than a law suit and a payoff.
There is a big difference between firearms, less lethal force and non-lethal force. I advocate less lethal force due to the fact that it gives more options and if necessary, can meet deadly force should it be necessary.
There is absolutely no comparison between the actions of the Somali pirates and those conducting ambushes in Iraq or Columbia. That is the kind of attitude that will cause those liability law suits and night mares.
I can respect your opinion and I can agree to disagree. The whole purpose of this type of thread is to be able to give your opinion.
Countering piracy int the Gulf of Aden is not combat. It is purely a defensive posture that brains will win not guns. Pulling the trigger should be an absolute last resort and after all other measures have failed, but it does not take firearms to do it. there are less lethal options available that easily take the firearm out of the picture.
The goal is not to kill pirates or to send them a message of force. This will only result in them using more force in the future to accomplish their goals. Somali pirates are not combat soldiers and the only reason I use the term pirate is it is a convenient term.
The Somali pirates are criminals and criminals adapt. We do not need to accelerate that adaptation process.
Your type of company is needed on the market as are others. this gives the shipping industry choices in the type of protection they want.