On a pirate mother ship, the radar is set to run on maximum range (48nm). Once a target is plotted with a CPA between 0nm and 10nm it becomes an attractive to the pirate, especially if the speed is less than 15kt. To prevent arousing suspicion, the pirates usually avoid changing course or speed. Once the target is about 5nm away and the pirates have made visual contact, they keep the mother ship's AIS switched off. They commence the preparations for the attack, by collecting their weapons - generally assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and knives - and at the last minute remove the camouflage tarpaulins covering their skiffs.
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