Reply #9: They will lose their national registry if they do [View All]

In an earlier episode Watson is seen telling the crew that they can only attack from the RIBs, not the Steve Irwin or the Netherlands could pull their registration. That is a big hairy deal in maritime law and could ground the SSCS. However the teaser for the next episode showed them attacking from the Steve Irwin, and I believe that they still have their Dutch registry.

As for dropping things from the helo...that would be even more risky. The Japanese would then be justified in shooting at it, even if its manned. It doesn't take much of a hit to take out a civilian helo like that. Makes for great footage, but even Watson won't risk that. Besides the LRADs seems to be more than capable of keeping it away from the ships.

The last episode I have seen is Crazy Ivan. While watching, it occurred to me that the Japanese tactics looked improvised and unplanned. They missed a number of opportunities to take the Steve Irwin out of the fight. With a little forethought and coordination they could easily have prop fouled the Steve Irwin during the small boat recovery. Its not a mistake I would expect them to make next year. Watson is really going to have to up his game to have any effect and he is also going to have to think defensively. Clearly the whalers are not just going to run anymore,