Because of their valuable cargo and minimal defenses, merchant ships make especially attractive targets for maritime pirates. In response, some private companies offer security services to ＿＿（26）＿＿ merchant ships' defensive capacities. Vessels can hire armed security personnel to accompany them on voyages. Or, an escort vessel can be hired to ＿＿（27）＿＿ dangerous shipping lanes. Because of the high risk and expense ＿＿（28）＿＿ the latter service, it's an option that would likely only be used by ships carrying rare or most valuable commodities. In fact, many shipping firms choose to forego any additional security ＿＿（29）＿＿ , opting instead to simply pay the ransom should one of their vessels be hijacked. Unfortunately, ＿＿（30）＿＿ say, doing so emboldens hijackers and encourages piracy.