The Royal Navy is now testing the use of Jet packs to assist with the fight against piracy on the high seas. The Peter-Pan like ability to fly will undoubtedly prove a thorn in the side of pirate captains with wooden legs and hook hands.

According to the report on the Verge website:

Royal Marines used Gravity Industries’ Jet Suit to conduct a “visit, board, search, and seizure” operation or VBSS. Basically a marine launched from a fast boat tailing the HMS Tamar, flew through the air like a slightly askew Iron Man, and landed on the larger ship, dropping a rope below so their fast boat buddies could climb up and “visit” the simulated enemy vessel.

Able Bodied Jet Seaman Bill "Battler" Heslop told FNN:

These jet packs are the dogs bollocks! Now when we are moored in a harbour, it's easy to strap on a jet pack and zoom off to pick up a six pack and some burgers from the port for the rest of the lads. F**k sight easier than rowing ashore. Result!

Hey Muriel! Fetch me a tinny. I'm parched.