The Critical Vulnerabilities Overlooked in Yachting
Security on board is often associated with piracy or theft – risks that, while still present in certain geographies, are not the most pressing concerns for today’s owners and guests. Instead, the contemporary threat landscape is far more nuanced, with vulnerabilities arising from technology, visibility, and day-to-day interactions.
Below, we highlight four critical risks every yacht owner, captain, and manager should consider—and the professional safeguards that can make all the difference.
- Drone Surveillance and Paparazzi in High-Profile Harbours
In years past, privacy was a given once your yacht left port. Today, commercial drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can reach even the most secluded anchorages. In locations like Antibes, Porto Cervo, and Miami, we regularly see unauthorized drone activity targeting superyachts—often with the intent to capture compromising images for media, blogs, or social media.
Our Recommendation:
Invest in anti-drone defense systems that include radar detection, RF jamming, and geofencing alerts. But just as crucial is onboard protocol: designate crew to respond to UAV activity, and establish a rapid reporting channel to local maritime authorities. Prevention isn’t just about tech—it’s about trained vigilance. - Social Media: The Digital Breadcrumb Trail
The most common privacy breach we see isn’t from hackers—it’s from guests and crew with smartphones. A single tagged photo or casual story post can give away your vessel’s current position, onboard roster, or upcoming itinerary. In the wrong hands, that’s intelligence—not content.
Our Recommendation:
Implement a Digital Discretion Policy aboard all vessels. This should include briefings for guests, crew, and contractors, covering:
• Geotagging restrictions
• Photo/video zones (and no-go areas)
• Delay rules for posting (e.g., 24-hour delays to avoid real-time tracking)
Some owners now request crew phones be kept in offline mode while on duty. The cost of inconvenience is minimal compared to the cost of exposure. - Opportunistic Crime During Shore Leave and Transfers
We’ve conducted dozens of post-incident reviews involving theft, harassment, or worse—often during routine shore excursions or tender transfers. The pattern is consistent: high-visibility guests, minimal security presence, and predictable movement. Yachts, by their nature, attract attention. But they also invite assumptions of wealth and vulnerability, particularly in less regulated ports or busy public areas.
Our Recommendation:
Work with a licensed security provider to assess and secure shore plans in advance. This includes:
• Vetting excursion locations
• Providing discreet personal security for guests
• Using unbranded clothing and gear to lower visual profiles
• Varying routes and schedules to avoid predictability
In high-risk areas, we advise tender escorts and real-time GPS tracking for all off-vessel movements. - Unvetted Staff and Service Providers: A Quiet Risk
It only takes one unverified technician or temporary steward to compromise the integrity of your entire operation. We’ve seen cases where onboard theft, blackmail attempts, or unauthorized data collection stemmed from poorly screened subcontractors.
Our Recommendation:
Implement a strict Access Control and Vetting Program:
• Work only with recruitment agencies that comply with international background checks
• Require identity verification and reference confirmation before onboarding any staff or third-party contractor
• Maintain an access log with timestamped entries for all non-crew personnel
• Where appropriate, conduct regular audits of crew and contractor records
Professionalism begins with prevention, and that means knowing exactly who is on your vessel and why.
Yachts are private sanctuaries, business venues, and homes. In our increasingly surveilled and unpredictable world, ensuring safety and privacy demands more than traditional security measures. At Priavo Security, we specialise in discreet, proactive maritime security, from onboard threat mitigation and digital exposure management to executive protection during excursions. Because in our world, the best security is invisible—until it’s needed.
If you’d like a tailored risk assessment or need to upgrade your onboard protocols, contact us today at enquiries@priavosecurity.com.