There is very little that we can do as everyday people that will significantly impact the issue of maritime piracy in the Horn of Africa. The solutions (or steps rather) than I can think of are very big picture notions, and would most likely be incredibly expensive, something the tax payers would not be particularly happy with.
1. Prevent pirate attacks
I realize this sounds stupid, but it would be ultimately more effective to prevent the attacks from happening in the first place rather than to interrupt an attack that has already commence. By steering ships away from certain areas in the Horn of Africa, this should significantly decrease the instances of piracy.
2. Update ships’ security
By updating the ships’ security features, this can also prevent pirate attacks. There are new technologies out there that can be very useful to ships passing through Somali waters. ShipLoc is a basic (but effective) satellite tracking device that is endorsed by the International Maritime Bureau. SecureShip is a non-lethal electrical perimeter fence that prevents unauthorized boarding. With these technologies, ships can prevent pirate attacks.
3. Stop piracy at its roots: on land
While we are currently working to stop piracy on the sea, we also need to be stopping piracy where it begins: on land. The pirates conduct their business on land. If their land operations can be stopped, then the attacks on sea can be prevented from the start.
4. Ensure that those who have committed crimes are held accountable
We need to actually be able to prosecute these pirates. If we fail to do this, then pirates will be able to bargain and toy with us with their hostages (see Breaking News! volumes 7 and 8), all the while demanding ridiculously large amounts of money or other pirates who have already been captured and set for trial. By not being able to put these criminals on trial, the pirates will always feel a sense of power over us.
5. Establish an actual government in Somalia
Since the early 90s, Somalia has had no government. If a successful government can be put in place, then it is possible that the level of criminal activity will decrease. Somalia will then be able to prosecute and take care of their problems within their own country.
