[Gustomaximus]

> What stops pirates from taking over the ships?

Where are they offshore? Pirates are not globetrotters with ports all over the world. But if this was off the coast of Somalia type things you'd think it would happen. Unless they are only interested in the ransom in which case probably mot a good score anyway.

> What about the crews just taking what they want and leaving?

Most people dont steal because they know its wrong. Not because they couldn't get away with it before. And where are they off to? If you're a Filipino on a ship sitting off US coast, what your going to fill a lifeboat full of Chanel perfume, head for the coast, lug it from lifeboat and hail a taxi? Sell it somewhere and try and get out of the country you have no visa for and get back home... doesn't sound too appealing.