By Tom Bowman From SafeGuard CLOTHING (16 JUNE 2025)
Maritime security professionals need specially designed bullet proof vests due to the unique environment they operate in.
Bullet proof vests for maritime security have buoyancy features and are made of fabric that can handle a lot of water.
In 2014, there were 245 pirate attacks reported worldwide according to the International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Report for 2014. Guns were a commonly used weapon, especially in maritime areas near Indonesia and Nigeria.
During the piracy boom several years ago, pirates sought out the easy targets-- slow-moving, unprotected ships. However, since international naval forces have cracked down and shipping companies have wised up, the life of a pirate is tougher. While this is good news overall, it also means that pirates are getting more desperate.
Their increased desperation makes it more likely that a ship will take fire-- according to NYU law professor and maritime law expert John Kimball, pirates sport AK-47's and even rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
This provides maritime security personnel with a difficult challenge-- finding a bullet proof vest that protect against more than handgun ammunition, but won't be a hindrance in a maritime environment.
For long-term use, the fabric needs to be specially designed to be impervious to salt water degradation-- vests will get incidentally wet, and the salty air can wreak havoc on an ill-suited fabric.
If things start to get hairy, though, having a proper bullet proof vest for maritime security is even more important. The fibers of the vest should not absorb water. It is possible for a boat hijacked by pirates to sink, so a bullet proof vest for maritime security needs to do well when submerged.
It might be necessary to keep the vest on if rounds are being fired into the water at you, so the less water-logged the vest gets, the better you will be able to stay afloat. It's also advisable to get a bullet proof vest with some buoyancy devices. A detachable and inflatable flotation collar is helpful in case you become unconscious in the water. This will keep the wearer afloat and safe from tipping over in the water.
But if you want to keep your vest on, it's best to have a specially designed flotation belt near the bottom. Pulling the firing handle punctures an inflation cartridge and inflates the belt with gas. This can help the wearer stay afloat and defend himself, all while still wearing a vest.
A good bullet proof vest for maritime security will also have options for rapid removal. Plate pockets to quickly jettison SAPI plates and reduce weight are key. It's also a good idea to get a vest with a breakaway tab so the vest can be totally removed if it becomes an encumbrance.
A well-prepared maritime security professional will have a bullet proof vest with all or most of the features that are unique to the maritime environment.
