Thought For The Day - The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble. - Blaise Pascal

In 5 years of cruising the eastern and southern Caribbean, I can think of 3 incidents when pepper spray or another deterrent might have come in handy. Picture this, it's 2 AM somewhere off the coast of Venezuela and you see lights rapidly approaching in your direction. The lights get closer and closer until some type of patrol with all lights blazing passes within 100 feet of you.

Or this one. You're somewhere between Grenada and Trinidad just after Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada and a small motor vessel is speeding in your direction. You're well aware that at this time there's anarchy and rampant looting in Grenada so a small speeding boat is more than cause for concern especially when boats bringing in supplies to Grenada from Trinidad have been boarded. Again we were lucky and the boat passed by.

Or this one. You're anchored in Clarke's Court Bay, Grenada, 5 days after Ivan's eye passed directly over the area resulting in widespread looting when a man swims out to your boat from shore and attempts to board.

Customs regulations on the various islands normally require you to declare all firearms but since pepper spray and stun guns aren't considered firearms, you can safely have the protection they provide without fear of losing your boat if they are discovered by customs. Go to www.pamcompersonalsecurity.com for more information on how these products can protect you.