Pirates FAQ

Additionally, are there any guns on board the ship or people qualified to protect and defend passengers from any violent threats?

Combat is not considered an option and as a result there are no guns aboard the MV Explorer. When the ship is at sea, high-powered industrial water hoses can be rigged to prevent unlawful embarkation of the vessel. However, as the fastest ship of its kind in the world, the MV Explorer will always have the advantage of speed.

Are pirate attacks a legitimate concern?

Acts of piracy are decreasing in many parts of the world but they are increasing in areas off the coast of Somalia in eastern Africa and the Gulf of Aden in Yemen. While most incidents have involved cargo vessels and small pleasure crafts traveling closely to the coast, these events are being closely monitored by the Institute for Shipboard Education.

What safety precautions does Semester at Sea take in preventing

Semester at Sea and the senior officers of the MV Explorer take proactive measures to mitigate piracy and other threats. Our ship travels at a considerable and safe distance from the Somali coast, where the majority of piracy occurs. Our ship is the fastest of its kind in the world so we are able to maneuver quickly away from potential dangers. In addition, our high freeboard (distance from the waterline to the upper deck) makes our ship nearly impossible to board. When nearing the Gulf of Aden we enforce a 24-hour security watch and maintain constant contact with international maritime agencies that monitor vessel traffic. In addition, we deploy widely used anti-piracy devices to ward off potential intruders.