whitewillows55
11.05.2021 13:08:01
The question keeps coming up as to why ships don't carry weapons to fight off pirates. As it is an international issue, it is an example of international gun control.
See full version: Thread: Ships can t carry weapons to defend against Pirates
The question keeps coming up as to why ships don't carry weapons to fight off pirates. As it is an international issue, it is an example of international gun control.
- Insurance cost is increased if they carry weapons (free-market gun control?)
- Most countries don't allow non-military personnel to bring guns into their ports (even on their ships). [links]
Sorry, don't have a Youtube or remember exactly who said this on CNN or Fox yesterday.
The person on the show gave more details: here
Mathis says walking on a surface that has been sprayed is like walking on ice. Climbing steps becomes nearly impossible. And ladders are out of the question. here
Ear protection can defeat an acoustic device. Goggles can nullify blinding lasers. Electric fences can be cut. [links]
So Konrad is a big fan of having ships travel in convoys. That means there are more eyes looking for trouble and that pirates will have a harder time attacking any single ship.
So civilian mariners have been exploring other approaches. They've already shown that a blast from an ordinary fire hose can discourage an unwelcome visitor.
That's because most shipping companies still don't want guns on board their vessels, for a variety of reasons. Crews aren't trained to use them, and they can be dangerous if a ship is carrying cargo that burns, like oil or gas. Also, many ports refuse entry to armed ships.
Taser. Photo: https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/326069/security-forces-taser-trained-ready-to-operate/
Razor wire canister or an antibonding device is another anti-piracy system. It prevents pirates from boarding the vessel with the help of canisters with sharp razor wires. This is currently the most commonly used anti-piracy deterrent. Razor wire is installed around the perimeter of a ship. This wire acts as a wall or a barrier between the ship and those wanting to trespass. here
Anti-Piracy Laser Device is a device developed by a British firm called BAE systems. It is a laser which can be used during commercial shipping against piracy. It is effective at a distance of about 1.5 km. it is used to distract the pirates in order to make them incapable of aiming properly without permanently damaging their eyes. It can be called as a warning device. Normal sunglasses cannot filter out this light and hence they will not help in avoiding it.
Once installed this system can be used without monitoring at any time of the day. This is considered as one of the best anti-piracy systems as it provides additional security to the crew members, can be used in all kinds of weather conditions, and is very simple to install and apply in vessels without the involvement of the crew. here
It is mainly used by the military but has also been used on some cargo and cruise ships. The sound wave can be canceled with the help of normal earplugs and hence minimize its effect. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of the device. more
The substances are usually shot towards the target with the help of a stun gun. It is similar to a taser gun except that the use of liquid streams. This is a non-lethal system normally used in the areas in and around the Gulf of Aden. more
This incident could have turned out much differently, however, and that begs the question: to carry weapons on board or not? This is a much-debated subject. Many people cruise without guns for moral or practical reasons. They either don’t like the idea of taking a life or simply don’t want the responsibility to secure and declare it. Our friends fall into this category and therefore did not carry any weapons on board but they did not object to us having weapons and were totally comfortable seeking our protection. Since sailing yachts are so slow and vulnerable at sea, we decided early on not to leave our safety to chance and we placed some firearms on board along with a sealable safe to secure them. Having been in the military, Stephen is well trained in weapons and combat techniques and we felt comfortable using it if necessary. We would rather not have to use a gun and truthfully, we have never felt threatened enough to use a gun anywhere. The fact is that the majority of cruisers who have guns on board never use them, much the same as a life raft and any other “worst case scenario” equipment. [links]
Before you make a choice when buying a gun for your boat equipment consider this: it’s good to keep in mind that police and the military generally don’t like to be outgunned and arming yourself to the teeth with paramilitary styled tactical weapons like an AK-47 may not be the best idea. In some countries, carrying military ammunition is frowned upon, if not totally illegal, but not so with hunting ammunition such as a 12-gauge pump action shotgun. So choose your weapons wisely. Reliability is another issue to consider. Remember, we are living in a harsh environment and the salty air can be hard on stainless parts. So generally, the less complex the gun, the easier to maintain and the fewer problems you’ll have. But every gun will require maintenance of some kind so the simpler the better.
The Red Sea with its notoriously bad weather, sand storms (or haboob as it is known around those areas), semi-submerged oil rigs, and the Suez Canal was a milestone achievement for us. It was possibly one of the most interesting experiences of our voyage. We teamed up with a “buddy boat” to make a radio silent passage through “pirate alley” and we reached our destination without incident. However, our “buddy boat” friends were not so lucky and were buzzed one moonless night as they approached our anchorage off the Yemeni coast. We were already anchored when we received a radio communication from them letting us know that they may have a possible piracy incident in the making. They were very uncomfortable and felt threatened by this boat trying to come alongside as they steered away trying to avoid the pirates. here
We have heard every argument for and against carrying weapons on board and we have possibly heard more objections than not. The most notable argument against carrying weapons: IT IS DIFFICULT AND CUMBERSOME TO DECLARE. That could be true but since guns are considered ship’s equipment it can usually be declared while doing your formalities with customs and immigration without a problem. We have a sealable bonded locker on our boat and in our experience, most countries accept that as adequate as long as they can seal and inspect it themselves. Other countries like Australia will insist on having the gun in their custody while in their waters and logistically, that could make checking out of the country problematic as one doesn’t usually check in and out in the same port. As I understand it, firearms may be detained in safe storage for transhipment to your intended port of departure in Australia but I am not sure about the exact circumstances. Clearly, every country has its own laws regarding guns. We have traveled through more than 45 countries and have declared our weapons in most of them and we did not have any difficulty…perhaps some inconvenience. Overall, it comes down to a personal decision. [links]
This headline, “Piracy in Africa down, but not out!…” in an article in the Cruising Outpost Newsletter grabbed my attention. With the gun debate so hot on the news right now, I thought it a good time to discuss carrying guns on boats.