Guns and Boats?

Question

Today a passenger ship (3 masted schooner) was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. No passengers on board.

What are the regulations regarding carrying weapons on board a sailboat (or motorboat) within the coastal waters of the US? Can I carry a rifle or a pistol for protection? What licenses are needed if any? If sailing off shore, but within the 200 mile limit, what are my weapons restrictions?

Answer 1

In some states he pistol launching of flares is against the gun laws. If you research, there is p****y going on in a number of places in the world. There are countries where having a gun aboard is against there law. Many do carry them. A better idea is to travel with a group and anchor with a group when there is a chance of a threat.

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

The days of p****y in our waters is well past.  The best defense is to be aware of everything around you.  Your best weapon is the boat itself.  If you find yourself in a situation where things do not feel right, make contact  with anyone via radio, attempt to flee.  If they are faster and are closing on you head for them, attempt to swamp them with a quartering blow, they will most likely be in a light craft.  A good supply of flares is a real deterrent to an approaching vessel.  The most important thing is to not be caught off guard and surprised. It is not easy to board a vessel taking evasive or even proactive action.

If you feel the need for a firearm be sure it is ready and you are ready.  Practice as often as possible until you are familiar in the dark so when its dark and you are scared it will be at least familiar.  You also have to be sure you will be able to pull the trigger when it counts.  Some can, some cannot. No shame in either.  I suggest a 12 guage shotgun loaded with a few slugs for the first few shots , when they get close have buckshot in the last few shells.  It is h**l on wood, glass and flesh.  

My guess is you do not need it.  Be aware, be safe, have fun.

Answer 4

The answer is yes. It is legal to have a gun onboard in coastal waters in America. Once you leave our territorial water you come under International Maritime law and when you enter the water of another country you come under their law. You are always best to perceive a threat in advance and try to avoid it. There are situations where it takes you by suprise. If you are anchored and asleep and someone sneaks aboard you probably are in a situation where you will need to fight for you life. A gun you can access and know how to use can make all the difference in survival. I once knew a coastal fisherman who was anchored for the night and a bear swam out to the boat and climbed aboard. He was after the guys fish but one round fired in the air was all it took for the bear to change his mind and jump overboard.

Isnt it odd that all the cases of boat p****y reported occur in the waters of countries where it is difficult or illegal for average citizens to possess firearms?

http://eaglespeak.blogspot.com/2008/03/i...

Here are a couple of recent examples.

Answer 5

i dont know