In November 2005, the cruise liner Seabourn Spirit was pursued and fired on by pirates. The pirates did not give up until Pederson made use of the LRAD. LRAD stands for Long Range Acoustic Device and is a non-lethal weapon developed for the US military. No bigger than a satellite receiver, the device not only emits loudspeaker announcements but can also send immensely loud high-frequency acoustic signals over a distance of several hundred metres. The noise causes considerable pain to the ears, makes communication impossible, and consequently compels attackers to give up. LRAD manufacturer American Technology compares the sound with that of a fire alarm, the difference being that the latter is a warning of danger at a level of 80 to 90 decibels whereas the LRAD fires at up to 150 decibels.