Question about guns on boats.

[ingmansinc]

In regards to the current pirate attacks against freighters I ask this question. I would have assumed that the Captain of a ship would have a gun locker that he could distribute rifles and handguns to the sailors in the event they need to protect their vessel. Can anyone on this forum shed some light on when this practice was discontinued and why?

 

[ingmansinc]

In regards to the current pirate attacks against freighters I ask this question. I would have assumed that the Captain of a ship would have a gun locker that he could distribute rifles and handguns to the sailors in the event they need to protect their vessel. Can anyone on this forum shed some light on when this practice was discontinued and why?

 

[BarbC]

I don't know, but it looks like guns are coming back.

Pirates Beware with video of Mass. Maritime Academy cadets training with pistols.

 

[all5x]

I read the article as saying that the California Maritime Academy is not teaching this as they feel it will escalate the arms race with the pirates..so I guess that means they plan on offering a surrendering class to it's students..typical response from California..

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Donna Nincic, chairman of the department of maritime policy and management at California Maritime Academy at California State University, which includes piracy training in two courses, believes it [Arming the sailors] will only escalate conflicts and increase the likelihood of casualties.

"Pirates can afford bigger weapons than we can," she said. "I feel that if you start arming merchant ships, you up the risk dramatically."

While an increasing number of commercial vessels are hiring private security teams for protection, Nincic said keeping a wary lookout is the best deterrent.

"It's pretty clear, the ships that have their act together don't get attacked," she said.

Where do these loons come from?

WG840

 

[sar4937]

CNN had mentioned in a report that Liability Insuror's were prohibiting guns onboard. And ship operators don't go to sea without insurance.

 

[ingmansinc]

I read here that weapons on ships will increase the likelihood of casualties, perhaps the pirates would be the casualties.

 

[Joe Kent]

ingmansinc, I can tell by your Avatar that you learned early on how do deal with pirates. Your organization has done it right from it's beginning , send in the MARINES and the situation will soon be well in hand.

 

[Stevens]

I read recently about the only defence they are allowed to have are water cannon.
Sounds good to me hook it up to a napalm tank, let them get just about close enough to board and light 'em up.
I think that would be the end of the pirate story, at least for that group.
Steve

 

[ArcticFox]

Why can't the governments of the world keep the shipping lanes open and safe? These companies/ships pay all kinds of shipping charges, fees, taxes, fines, etc. to government. By analogy, if our highways were not safe would we suggest truckers carry trained security staff. (I know most truckers are armed)

 

[ingmansinc]

Originally posted by Stevens:
I read recently about the only defence they are allowed to have are water cannon.
Sounds good to me hook it up to a napalm tank, let them get just about close enough to board and light 'em up.
I think that would be the end of the pirate story, at least for that group.
Steve

Steve, did you ever consider a career in maritime policy and management at California Maritime Academy at California State University. I understand there may be an opening as chairman.

 

[zoom6zoom]

OK, if they won't arm the individual ships, why not use the old "Q-ship" concept?

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

I always thought either the Captain, First Mate, or Master-At-Arms aboard ship had access to at least shotguns or handguns.

Then again, take the handcuffs off the U.S. Navy and turn them loose. I somehow don't think a garbage scow or zodiac boats with small arms- laden idiots are going to be much of a match for a PT Boat from WWII much less a modern destroyer, frigate, or cruiser.

Oh, I forgot, we'd be violating the civil rights of the oppressed...wouldn't we (Note Sarcasm)

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Guns would only hurt the crew.

 

[uzisandfloozies]

this is just another example of how civilizations fail and collapse.

we have become so enthralled by legal "niceties" that we as a society have lost the willingness to defend what is right and crush the evildoers.

the pirates operate under no such set of rules. they will cut your head off to hear it hit the ground.

we have become panty-waists. very sad.

 

[biggs357]

there you go,bring back the pt boats of old and give them free reign to terrorize the terrorists by any means they can.No holding back,shoot to kill.Let them set up just out side of the ports where these guys are and wait for em.Take the bigger ships out with torpedo's and the smaller ones out with .50 cal full auto.

 

[The Shottist]

A much more effective approach would be for the Saudi's to offer reward money for the capture of the pirates. "$500,000 dead or alive" would bring plenty of "entrepreneurs" to the scene. The bounty hunters would not be limited by the idiot underwriters at the insurance companies. A few private boats, properly armed, cruising the same waters, would definitely dampen the spirits (and activities) of the pirates.

Out at sea, who is going to question you for sinking the pirates' vessel. Dead men tell no tales.

 

[biggs357]

I'm game for that,too

 

[truckemup97]

It seems to me that one RPG launcher and one well trained crew member could defend a ship against a boat the size the pirates seem to be using.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

Originally posted by HOUSTON RICK:
Guns would only hurt the crew.

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