SURVEY: Piracy & Cruising

Posted on May 12, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

I recently sent the following survey to everyone on my contact list. If you would like to participate, please answer the questions and forward your answers to my assistant. Please ask your friends, family, and business associates to participate as … Continue reading →

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From Piracy to Swine Flu

Posted on April 30, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

There is never a dull moment in the maritime news these days. For the last few weeks, I, and much of the world, have been transfixed by the on-going piracy saga occurring in the waters near Somalia. What a difference … Continue reading →

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Extra Preparations Fail to Prevent Cruise Ship Pirate Attack

Posted on April 29, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

Can anything really be done? I find myself mulling this question over and over in my mind as I read about the latest pirate attack against the Italian-registered cruise ship MSC Melody. With approximately 1,500 passengers and crew onboard, she … Continue reading →

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Extra Preparations Fail to Prevent Cruise Ship Pirate Attack

Posted on April 28, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

Can anything really be done? I find myself mulling this question over and over in my mind as I read about the latest pirate attack against the Italian-registered cruise ship MSC Melody. With approximately 1,500 passengers and crew onboard, she … Continue reading →

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First Steps for Somalia?

Posted on April 24, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

  I finally read something that makes sense regarding the Somali pirate problem. An international donors’ conference focused on stabilizing Somalia was held in Brussels today. The Associated Press reports that over $250 million dollars in pledges have been collected … Continue reading →

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Celebrate Earth Day with Personal or Public Commitment

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

Gibran Khalil Gibran, poet and philosopher born in 1883, in Bsharri, a mountainous area in Northern Lebanon gifted us a message about fairness toward the earth. It is timeless and reminds us of our personal responsibility toward our food, air … Continue reading →

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SOMALIAN PIRACY: A COMPLEX ISSUE

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

  Like many people around the world, I continue to follow the media coverage of the piracy rampage occurring mainly off the coast of South Africa. Today’s headlines cover the arrival of the lone surviving pirate from the skirmish involving … Continue reading →

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Recent Sea Heroes

Posted on April 17, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

  In past blog entries, I have mentioned my survival of the Andrea Doria tragedy, and my resulting passion for safety at sea. My recent writing has concentrated on safety precautions, safety equipment, and current rules and regulations, as well … Continue reading →

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Piracy: Can Cruise Lines Increase Passenger Safety?

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

Piracy continues to be a hot topic in the news, and I find myself engulfed in the on-going saga. Somalian pirates have made good on their word to pirate more ships and take more crew members hostage in an effort … Continue reading →

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Pirates Unlike Captain Hook

Posted on April 15, 2009 by Pierette Simpson

When I was a young girl, Captain Hook of Peter Pan fame probably best represented the image of a pirate in young minds. Sword in one hand, hook in the other, he was a menacing and unlikable figure, but not … Continue reading →

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