The number of merchant fishermen and maritime security agencies enrolling on anti-piracy training courses has burgeoned in the wake of the surge in attacks on oil tankers and cargo ships.

Professor Donna Nincic, a course tutor at the California Maritime Academy, has told the Associated Press that new training and development programmes have been developed to arm the oil and gas industry and other key maritime transport sectors with a cognizance of the extent of the problem.

"If you demonstrate a culture of awareness, that you look like you know you're in pirate waters and are clearly standing watch, patrolling, etc., the pirates know you're going to be more difficult to board," she told the news agency.

Students at the training academy are taught evasive manoeuvres such as high speed fishtailing and learn how to operate high pressure hoses in a bid to deter and repel pirate attacks.

In September 2008, the academy received approval for a new water survival training centre to expand its course offering further.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development