Carrying guns on the ICW

[mudcat100]

If one is boating on the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway(ICW) and has a handgun,rifle, or shotgun on board, do state gun laws apply? From what I've read, the ICW is under the jurisdiction of the Army Corp of Engineers or the Coast Guard.

 

[canoeguy]

The ICW is patrolled by local law enforcement, Marine Police, Game Wardens, etc. State laws apply while in transit. Not a problem in gun friendly Southern States, potentially a big problem in states starting with Maryland, heading North.

Having a concealed handgun permit that is recognized by states you travel through is helpful, as is keeping a long gun onboard and unloaded.

Even an unloaded long gun might get you in trouble in some states, best to research thoroughly first.

I'd go with a pump shotgun, unloaded with shells handy on the buttstock.....

 

[dave b]

I went from Fl to Canada and back and was never boarded or inspected. I could have carried a pistol and mailed it back home before entering Canada as I didn't know what to expect. As it turned out, I could have kept it. Customs on neither side bothered with us. They just wanted us to mail them some money. This is all theoretical of course. 200

 

[Harrison]

Probably safe carrying a spear fishing gun.

 

[Brian41]

Not sure about ICW but I'd caution you about carrying guns into Canada. Sure in my boat it's just been a phone call but they can and do board boats on occasion. Handguns are forbidden and long guns with their permit only. Even a 12 gauge flare gun can be deemed a gun there so beware.
I always kept a gun on my sailboat except for when I went into Canadian waters. I did have friends that hid one away but I was never that brave.

 

[VictorLouis]

The 'I' stands for Intra, which means within. Intracoastal means within the coast(line) of the state you're in. They are normally patrolled by state, city and county LE.