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65
19.
The object of this recommendation, which has been accepted by ships of all different nationalities trading from Hongkong, in to provide a mutual convoy system whereby any ship under pirate control, which deviates from her course, would be observed by the others who would, in turn, communicate with the authorities at Hongkong.
20.
kasters of ships have been warned that if they suspect the presence of pirates on board they are to make every endeavour to make the fact known by using wireless, flashing lights and rockets.
..ireless Communication Scheme.
21. In addition to the above precautions all British Coasting Steamers are included in a wireless communication scheme. Steamers plying between Hongkong and northern ports are supplied by the Naval Authorities at Hongkong and Shanghai with a communication form on which is written dates and times with which they must communicate with other vessels in their vicinity. If no vessels are likely to pass near them they have orders to report their position to the Naval Authorities at Hongkong.
22. Similarly ships running to and from Singapore report their position every six hours. On failure to communicate with a vessel as ordered a report is sent by the ship to rongkong. Also, if a ship fails to report when the is due to signal her position the case is investigated and, if necessary, the patrol destroyer is warned or other action taken.
23. It must be admitted that this wireless communication scheme can only be regarded as a subsidiary precaution and a "deterrent" as opposed to a cure for the piracy problem. The pirates know that the scheme is in operation and it probably has the effect of making them try and seize the ship in the pirate area so that the non-arrival of her position messages would not warn the authorities.
Disadvantages of the present anti-piracy measures.
24. The present anti-piracy measures as detailed in the foregoing paragraphs, though in a measure effective have several grave disadvantages:-
(a) They afford only protection against pirates which may
have already been embarked and they do not ensure that a gang will not be onboard and attempt a piracy.
(10)
Cost of maintenance of patrol vessels, pay of guards and supply and upkeep of grilles, etc.
25. Even in the case of an unsuccessful piracy such as the "Sunning" and the "Haiching" the expense to the ship owners due to damage to the ship was enormous and, in the latter case, a number of innocent persons lost their lives.
26.
It is therefore quite clear that anti-piracy measures, to be really effective, must prevent pirates from embarking at all They must tackle the problem at its source, and this is ashore.