56 The use of passive and non-lethal measures
such as netting, wire, electric fencing, and long-range acoustic devices
may be appropriate preventive measures to deter attackers and delay
boarding.
57 The use of water hoses should also be considered
though they may be difficult to train if evasive manoeuvring is also
taking place. Water pressures of 80 lb per square inch and above have
deterred and repulsed attackers. Not only does the attacker have to
fight against the jet of water but the flow may swamp his/her boat
and damage engines and electrical systems. Special fittings for training
hoses could be considered which would also provide protection for
the hose operator. A number of spare fire hoses could be rigged and
tied down to be pressurized at short notice if a potential attack
is detected.
58 Employing evasive manoeuvres and hoses must
rest on a determination to successfully deter attackers or to delay
their boarding to allow all crew members to gain the sanctuary of
secure areas. Continued heavy wheel movements with attackers on board
may lessen their confidence that they will be able to return safely
to their craft and may persuade them to disembark quickly. However,
responses of this kind could lead to reprisals by the attackers if
they seize crew members and should not be engaged in unless the master
is convinced he can use them to advantage and without risk to those
on board. They should not be used if the attackers have already seized
crew members.