I usually agree 100% with Peter, but I wanted to share my thoughts on this topic. I spent a significant amount of time considering piracy while I was preparing for my trip. At one point it was pointed out to me that I was probably to fixated on it and that reality of the risks would prove to be quite different. Having completed the 14,000 mile trip I would say that my concerns were perhaps a bit over zealous, but not without justification. We did encounter people who had very bad experiences. We also met a young man who had is girlfriend killed in Central America, while on a bus. We never approached what appeared to be local fishing boats and always hailed others on the radio prior to approaching within a mile or two, if we were significant distances from marinas or towns. I had made the decision that if I encountered what looked like a local boat, trying to hail me for aid, I would not approach. I had made the decision that I was simply not willing to place myself in a situation where several people could overpower me and my wife, because I had made the decision not to carry firearms. My rational was that the locals in any area would be more than capable of taking care of themselves. We saw innumerable fisherman who would voyage far beyond the sight of land in single outboard engine driven pangas with fishing tackle and jugs of water. Often setting lines in the early evening hours, going to sleep, then pulling in the lines and returning to shore in the morning. So, as I said, my decision was that unless I was accompanied by another boat and had made radio contact with the boat appearing to be in need of aid, I would Not approach any boat in the open ocean. There were many times at night when I would deviate miles to avoid a radar contact. In summary, my top priority was protecting my spouse and not exposing her to more risk than we were already exposed to. Each skipper has to make this decision for his/her self, I would encourage you to have this thought out ahead of time so you have a plan of action in your mind if/when the situation comes up. Scott E. Bulger, Boatless in Seattle