Somali pirates - Isn't it about time ships were armed?
Discussion
Just been reading the below link...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12203728
29 vessels and 693 hostages are currently being held off the Somalia coast.
Isn't it about time the laws were relaxed to allow ships to carry firearms to defend themselves against the pirates? The Gulf of Aden is a huge place and although there are Navy ships lurking around, there obviously still isn't enough of a deterent.
A couple of sailors taking pot shots at the pirates with AK's would surely make them think twice!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12203728
29 vessels and 693 hostages are currently being held off the Somalia coast.
Isn't it about time the laws were relaxed to allow ships to carry firearms to defend themselves against the pirates? The Gulf of Aden is a huge place and although there are Navy ships lurking around, there obviously still isn't enough of a deterent.
A couple of sailors taking pot shots at the pirates with AK's would surely make them think twice!
Help on the horizon: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/piracy/8...
But then they are instantly thwarted... http://newsthump.com/2011/01/12/anti-piracy-laser-...
But then they are instantly thwarted... http://newsthump.com/2011/01/12/anti-piracy-laser-...
koff mirrors in Somaliasinglecoil said:
MOTORVATOR said:
singlecoil said:
Cyder said:
singlecoil said:
If a ship were to be armed, whose laws would be broken?
International Maritime Law isn't it?
The ship has to abide by the laws of the country to which she is registered. This is further complicated by the fact the ship has also to abide by the laws of the host country when she enters their territorial waters.
So in simple terms if say British registered you cannot carry general arms. If you are American registered and enter British waters you cannot carry general arms. You can of course apply for a firearms cetificate which many ships do to maintain say a shotgun in the captains safe.
It's a bit similar to the law that stops me carrying an M16 when travelling through Birmingham.
Edited by MOTORVATOR on Monday 17th January 12:19
BoRED S2upid said:
I love how it focuses on Doris and Fred from Brighton throwing some deckchairs and glosses over the role of the (no doubt) former Mossad armed security guards, I wonder who scared the pirates more? 
singlecoil said:
MOTORVATOR said:
It's a bit similar to the law that stops me carrying an M16 when travelling through Birmingham.
Not even remotely similar. In Birmingham there would be no doubt as to jurisdiction and enforcement 
http://www.un.org/Depts/los/index.htm
Quite simply if you shot someone in Birmingham or shot someone on the sea you will be charged utilising exactly the same laws assuming you are on a British registered vessel. The same would apply if you were on a foreign vessel in our waters.
Tsippy said:
What is the range of a normal speedboat? 180 miles seems a bit far considering they'd have to factor in a return to home. Or are they operating from a 'base ship' in the form of a captured tanker? If so..... it cannot be that hard to find and sink surely?
Spot on they operate from base ships and the worlds navies seem more concerned about the safety of them than individuals taken hostage.Read up on the Chandlers where the British Navy stood by and watched as they were transferred to the mother ship.
Last time we had this conversation it was incredible that people don't seem to realise what a vast area is subject to pirate attacks with the underlying concensus being well don't go there then.
BoRED S2upid said:
Im sure I read somewhere that some are armed not with massive cannons like in the olden days but with private security services.
Friend of mine is essentially a mercenary, currently providing armed security for large bulk carriers. Condition of the ship-owner's insurance.
Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff