A protective jacket encircles a pile that is covered with a protective tape so that the tape cannot unravel, which is a common problem with these wraps. The protective jacket has a number of components that are bolted together to squeeze the pile. The protective jacket has an expanded metal mesh on the inner surface of the jacket, to engage and press against the protective tape wrap to prevent the protective jacket from slipping down the pile due to gravity. Embodiments for cylindrical piles and for H-piles are disclosed.