How do you keep safe from pirates?
2007-12-28 08:22:07 · 18 answers · asked by dsffds f 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Its nice to know that anyone can murder me in international waters but what I want to know is if I can bring my guns on my boat with me to cruise in the virgin islands
2007-12-28 09:39:55 · update #1
Oh my God. I am sorry but I don't think you are going to want to hear what I have to say. Firstly you must have no idea about your intended cruising ground if you think that there are pirates in the Virgins. I just have this mental picture of some friendly local fisherman approaching your boat to give you some free lobster and people like you (and some of the other gun maniacs who have answered your question) blast him out of the water because you have left your country but brought all your petty issues with you. I apologise for the way this sounds but I really do not think that the sea is going to be a safer place with gun toting, paranoid, trigger happy, well armed sailors just on the look out for 'pirates'.
I have sailed over 80,000 NM, travelled in over 70 countries, (sailed all over the Caribbean and pacific and travelled in Asia and the middle east including Iran and Pakistan) i have owned 2 yachts and delivered countless others.
Please, please do not join the cruising community until you have a better grasp of reality. I am scared to think that the sea is going to be turned into a battle ground.
2007-12-29 12:19:20 · answer #1 · answered by The Masked Masala 3 · 1⤊ 5⤋
I have lived aboard my boat and sailed the US Virgins for 30 years and write a regular column on maritime safety for the Caribbean Compass.
If you are sailing Venezuelan waters then yes, piracy happens there. Are you trained in firearms use from a small boat and have no problem blowing people away and then dealing with the local justice system? If so go ahead.
e-mail www.caribbeancompass.com and ask for the letter to the editor on the subject of guns on a boat in the US Virgins.
There is one boater in Red Hook who is in terrible trouble on that issue.The short answer is you will be put in jail for importing weapons, you will lose the guns and maybe the boat. You need a firearms license before you arrive and you can only get a license if you are a VI resident. THERE IS NO WAY TO LEGALLY sail into the US VI with guns aboard.
There is LESS than no way to sail into the BVI with guns aboard.
If you think there are pirates or water born crime in the Virgins, you are sadly mistaken. There is less crime against boaters here than there is in Martha's Vineyard.
Once again Caribbean Compass is a great source of stories over the last two years on crime against sailors in the Eastern Caribbean. You may lose your dinghy if it isn't locked up; two boats in two years have had boarders down island........but in the US VI? Please..........
2007-12-30 04:24:24 · answer #2 · answered by yankee_sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Piracy is probably not a big issue where you are going. Still, it can happen. Keep a vigilant watch...be warey of vessels matching your course...or approaching at high speed...have a working VHF radio and cell(although less effective)...flares...cruise in company of other boats for safety. As for guns...that depends on how much of a cowboy you wanna be. They are not allowed...period as they are a threat to the security of the nation you are approaching. Can you hide them on board and not have them discovered when boarded by authorities?...Possibly. If boarded by pirates...you have a decision. Passively hand over cash and valuables or defend. Often they will take a few things and leave. Many cruisers have a small amount in their wallets and fake jewelry and dead credit cards for pirates. The good stuff and cash wad is stashed. If you defend...you may not survive.
2007-12-28 10:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by Dave M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
USVI or BVI? Anyway, all I have read and heard from those who cruise down there is that you need to know the OFFICIAL laws, regs, rules, of each and every jurisdiction that you enter, and these can be very different. Usual advise is, don't. If you are in either VI group it is relatively crowded with cruisers so it is safe. There are other Caribbean areas that may present a problem. There are websites for piracy reports. Also, there is probably more crime on land, less overhead, you don't need a boat.
2007-12-28 09:36:59 · answer #4 · answered by Andy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each municipality has their own laws regarding guns. You have to know the laws for the place that you go into. How are you going to get the guns there. When we sailed there we chartered and had a captain go with us that knew the waters. If you sail your own boat there you need to check the regulations for the areas you want to visit. There have been reports of some piracy there. It is recommended to travel in groups.
2007-12-29 03:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by science teacher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the waters of the country in which you cruise...
US Virgin Islands - You have to have a firearms permit - http://www.statemaster.com/state/VI-us-virgin-islands/gov-government
British Virgin Islands - I can't find information.
My brother and I used to cruise Pacific Mexican waters, and although it was illegal, we kept 2 stainless M-1 carbines in the bilge, and .45 caliber pistols in another hidden compartment.
THE BEST safety feature is your radio and planning.
2007-12-29 08:17:27 · answer #6 · answered by mariner31 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some boat owners have had me build 'false' bulkheads to conceal their weapons.
They are 1/8" ply that a person can punch through and remove the hidden weapon.
The trick is to crib the ply so it sounds and feels like a solid bulkhead.
Not legal, but if I had a boat, I would do it.
There are tons of dead people who obeyed the law.
2007-12-28 12:44:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Who is going to know if you carry a gun? They make guns that can be disguised in many ways. Try using a beer can gun.
Better be safe than sorry.
I don't have anything to Rob that is worth pirating, but you must.
2007-12-28 10:37:59 · answer #8 · answered by Cintia 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Piracy is not a problem in that area. Maybe hundeds of years ago. In any case your boat is a much better weapon than a gun against pirates. The nearest pirates will be in the gift shops.
2007-12-28 09:43:00 · answer #9 · answered by landfall43 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
NO! guns are prohibited! Some provinces even frown on those flare guns that look like guns. Best to get pepper spray or similar protective devices if you need something.
2007-12-29 08:00:55 · answer #10 · answered by jasbo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋