[johnfrink]

Any more info on how this is handled? Do they just bring one American on board and then let him pilot the thing into the port? I'm thinking a small group of terrorists could easily overpower one guy...might make more sense to send a small team of armed guards to accompany the pilot, eh?

[Strategerist]

It's one guy.

However, he's in constant communication with a sort of air traffic control facility.....there's one that looks like a miniature airport tower at Cape Henlopen near Lewes, DE.

[Anti-McGovern]

When the pilot took the Queen Mary 2 out to sea from NYC several weeks ago (we were on board) the bridge was guarded by 3 gentleman from the coastguard in full body armor with assault rifles. I took the opportunity to thank them :-)

[ThirdMate]

"Any more info on how this is handled? Do they just bring one American on board and then let him pilot the thing into the port? I'm thinking a small group of terrorists could easily overpower one guy...might make more sense to send a small team of armed guards to accompany the pilot, eh?"

That is happening more often, it is called the Sea Marshall program, an armed party boards with the pilot and accompanies the ship into port.

Also the Pilot is in continuous radio contact once he boards.