You know that the crews are not only discouraged, but usually not allowed to fight back with real firearms for fear of retaliation ? The pirates are ready to die, after all. The most they'll do is use a fire lance to keep the pirates away or wash them off-board.

> The pirates are ready to die, after all.

Are they? They're willing to kill, but that's different.

Remember, a robber isn't telling you what he thinks that his life is worth, he's telling you what he thinks your life is worth to him.

I'm really meaning Somalian pirates, which have shown repeatedly complete disregards for their own lives. A Western robber is no match.

Cruise ships (and some other ships) generally have armed gaurds. I heard that it is popular among Israelis (after conscription and before working) to work on a cruise ship as armed security.