Does anyone know the rules about having guns on board and being boarded by the coastguard?

Question

I'm talking about a liveaboard underway

Answer 1

Rick (the first answer) is a moron and his answer will get you in a bunch of trouble.  If you are inside the 3-mile limit in the US and it is assembled and stored readily adjacent to useable ammunition, it is a concealed weapon. You need a concealed carry permit to have it aboard.  In international waters, it is legal, but in nearly everyother country in the world it is illegal to have a firearm on your boat.  It could be confiscated if found at the least and you and your entire crew could wind up in some seedy jail in a forgotten harbor town at the worst.

Also, the brandishing of guns at sea to thwart acts of p****y has resulted in more deaths than it has saved.  

For one, very few personal sailing or motor vessels have been attacked by pirates.  The biggest danger spot is around Sumatra and Indonesia.  Pirates here are reported to be armed.  Pulling a glock on a bunch of determined and desperate young men packing AK-47s won't result in a happy ending for you.

Your best defense against p****y is staying vigilant while passagemaking.  Simply be forward with any would-be boarders, offer suspicious visitors a few packs of cigarrettes and they will be off.

I am not a proponent of gun control and own two pistols, four rifles and a shotgun and am an avid hunter.

Answer 2

If you have the legal right to possess firearms, then you are doing nothing wrong.  If boarded, your first words to the boarding party should be that you have firearms, and where they are located.  Don't offer to get them.  This at least keeps you safe and gives you credibility.

Of course, if you are carrying RPG's, mortars or anti-tank devices you may some 'splainen to do'.

Answer 3

Depends on where you are. If you are outside of the 3 mile limit, you are safe. Most other countries frown upon them but they can and have saved many a life at sea. I could tell you some stories but that's left for another time.

I'm a big proponent of arming ones-self, for fun and self-protection. They can get you in and out of some major trouble.

Be Safe!

Rick

Answer 4

I carry a  AR 15= 30 round mag & 45 auto when I on my boat.48 sportfish>?I have a concealed licence permit best get 1 to cover yourself>You can call the CG and ask them or do research on the net and see what you find>Depends what your state law is>Live aboard is your home an you can have a gun there>Tell the CG as soon as they come a board>?

Answer 5

I would at least announce the fact that you have fire arms with you BEFORE they board !