Why is it against international law to have armed guards on ships? Especially with this pirates mess?

SFC_Ollie

Says who? And who makes international law. If we had a President with the guts we would already be arming all our commercial ships.

SFC
US Army
Retired

promethius9594

Long answer short, it isn't against international law. The international law would determine the scope of EMPLOYMENT of those weapons (in other words, you couldn't fire at random ships). International law does address deck mounted guns, but not small arms. Ports may have more specific laws about armed crews and ships though.

The reason for not widely employing armed guards is one of economics and practicality. The safety risks don't always guaruntee a good outcome in fighting piracy, and economically speaking only 0.2% of ships passing through the area are captured by pirates, making costly investments in security less lucrative than simply running the odds.

Rain

some countries don't allow guns to private people. since ships often go to many different ports they have to be careful to follow the laws of all the different places.

Helen of Troy doesnt have cancer

I'm not familiar with that law, but i understand why at least.I figure it might seem like an act of war almost.I mean, if British subs were patrolling our coast with armed soldiers,we wouldn't take too kindly with that,would we?
that was just an example.hopefully it helps

hehe

International law is only part of the problem. Firms would have a higher liability for having armed crew members and/or armed private security guards on board. Some firms would rather take a chance of something happening rather than paying high costs to arm, and train these personnel. Many banks and mall security guards are unarmed in California for this reason. In addition, the cost of insurance (should a shoot out occur) would be high. It's all about business and cutting costs for firms.

jeeper_peeper321

It is NOT against international law for ships to carry arms or guards.

The shipping companies do not do so, because it cost them money to pay the salary's of the guards.

Jennifer L

well, i believe a big part of it is money. they dont wanna pay someone to guard the ship which in turn costs more money when the cargo is stolen! and no it is not AGAINST the law as much as it is just a basic practice.

Steven H

SFC Ollie, we had a president with alot of guts and a vice president for that matter. Only problem was they had guts when they were sending someone else to fight. Cheney had 7 deferments!

Ed J

It has been for many years, however it may be up for a serious review because of recent incidents and threats that are being made.

Danaos

Hey, I am a Merchant Marine Officer (C/OFF). I work aboard ocean-going dry bulk cargo ships and petroleum crude oil tankers. I have got colleagues who work with the Israeli Maritime Company ZIM. ZIM`s vessels have never been attacked by Pirates, ever. The reasons why ZIM`s vessels have never been attacked: 1. All Israeli flagged merchant ships carry firearms. In addition to UZI sub machine guns, Israeli merchant vessels have been known to carry M4A1`s and TAR-21 TAVOR automatic rifles. From what we hear, there are enough guns aboard for everyone, from OS ratings and Galley ratings to Master and Officers. (Since we know, the Pirates must know too). 2. Most of their crew is Israeli. All Israeli citizens serve three (3) years with the IDF (Israeli Army). In addition to extensive training with firearms in the IDF, ALL Israeli infantry draftsmen are also taught the Israeli self-defence martial art Krav Manga. ------------------>If the Israelis are doing it, and they have been doing it for years, then chances are that it is NOT against int`l law. BTW, Americans shouldn`t worry about this very much. I have been working at sea since 1993, and during all that time, I have met exactly zero (0) US seafarers. The first US flagged merchant vessel greater than 1000 GRT I have ever seen was last year in the Panama canal. (A Chevron PCOT). Most seafarers are Filipino (ratings), Greek (officers & engineers), and then an assortment of Eastern European Slav nationalities, such as Bulgarians, Ukranians, Poles, Russians, Bielorussians, Croatians, etc. There are virtually no Brit seafarers left anymore, but there are extremely few Danes, Norwegians, Dutch and Germans working as Masters or C/ENGs. In my humble opinion (hear ye USN & USCG), the only way to eliminate piracy off Somalia is to allow private pro armed Guards (ex SEALS, ex Marines from various countries) aboard vessels transiting the area, as Israel has been doing with Sayeret 13 personnel aboard their merchant vessels, when needed. There are private contractors offering armed guard services to shipowners and managers atm from what we hear. Cheers.

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