Okie

I don't know why these shipping lines don't mount a few 50's on each side of the ship and hire contracters to man them. It's not as if they have to remain on board for the whole trip.....just through the danger zone.

This may be oversimplified but if you see a small vessel approaching, hail them and tell them to stop and identify themselves. If they don't what you want, blow them the h&ll out of the water. I'll bet you'll never see see a small vessel anywhere near the USS Cole without positive clearance now.

It would be sure as h&ll cheaper than what it's costing them now....and that's the least of reasons.