The spate of pirate attacks witnessed off the coast of Somalia in recent months has become a prominent topic at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Captain Thomas Bushy, who leads training and development courses at the institute, has said that the recent attacks have provided a real-world backdrop to the courses.

Speaking to South Coast Today, he said that he will discuss piracy and related issues when he leads students when they spend a semester at sea.

"It's a great example for us to use. This is the real thing. This is the real world out there," he said.

On the trip, students will learn how to identify suspicious ships, send distress signals and repel attacks.

A common deterrent is to use high-powered water jets to keep pirates at bay, he said.

The academy also runs the Centre for Maritime Training, which offers courses for professional mariners which provide them with the skills to work in industrial and governmental shipping sectors.

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