A couple of things first: as a Coastie Maritime Law Enforcement Boarding Officer (MLEBO), I have dealt with this problem a few times.

1) Know where you're sailing, has piracy been an historical problem? Bahamas, Carribean Sea, Western Pacific, African waters, etc.

2) Realize that most pirates today sign on as crew at a foreign port after a night of the Captain/crew having too many drinks @ a local pub and meeting an expatriated American looking to get home or a local who claims to have knowledge of the area being sailed to.

3) After sailing, the vessel is approached by another vessel (pirate) & the "new crewman" pulls a weapon and gets the drop on the rest of the crew. The "pirate" vessel & crew comes alongside and does what they wish to the crew and the vessel (usually to use it for drug running).

4) Or the pirate vessel approaches close and opens up with small arms fire, disabling the crew (& sometimes the vessel).

On picking up survivors:

1) It is best to mintain some distance.

2) Stay witin hailing distance, and call the nearest gov't maritime agency (USCG, Bahamian Defense Force, Jamaican Coast Guard, etc.)

3) Throw the "survivors" water if they ask, but maintain a safe distance AT ALL TIMES. Manuever your vessel to be able to make a fast getaway!

4) Never tie their raft or boat to your vessel (that's 1 thing that they want you to do).

5) Most pirates appear to be very nice people.

Miscellanous Facts:

1) It is legal to carry firearms onboard. Most vessels carry a pistol and a pump shotgun. Some prefer a semi-auto rifle, as well. That is expected by boarding officers.

2) When in ANY port, keep your business to yourself, don't answer questions, ask questons as an answer. Never admit to being an American, claim Canadian citizenship, they don't tick the people of the world off like we do.

3) Flying a "Jolly Roger" is considered to be a declaration of piracy by most countries and is punishable by death!!! Flying "Flags of rebellion" (ie: Confederate Battle Flag, etc.), can also get you arrested and is punishable by death! This category includes the various "Nazi" flags and modern derivatives.