Firearms aboard???

[Guest]

The ship map and the yacht map are quite different. In our year there was over 100 ship incidents in Indonesia.

We were just behind (80miles) from a failed ship incident by Borneo. Ship 1 : Pirates dead.

The thing is not all of them are truly rational. As shown clearly when they opened fire on the warship recently.

 

[Sea Devil]

I regard it as the same risk as getting mugged in parts of London.. There are areas and estates of several cities I would enter with caution and not at night.. Being robbed is one thing but being killed another and that's why I would not use the red sea route again..

Michael

 

[Guest]

Neither will I.

I always meant to go to South Africa. It was over running on the refit that made it impossible. It was an experience that I think I would be worse off for not having. But to do it again is lunacy.

My highlights were learning to sail to windward in terrible seas and talking for all those hours with the Suez pilot. Very nice man (first day) but his views of the West/Religion were surprising. Meeting some really good UK cruisers all wanting to get to the UK. Mad bunch who I miss.

Seeing Eritrea and what aid help looks like in reality. Terrible waste.

Worst incident was the warship announcing my presence and position to the world in the middle of the worst pirate zone. Assured me that they were there to protect us then seemed to vanish the day the American got into trouble.

Second worst was meeting the British navy aircraft carrier fleet. Managed to get through all of them. Got within 1 mile of the carrier. Then had to make my presence known when they all turned in formation and I ended up under the bows of a support vessel. He obviously did not know I was there. Only then did they launch a helicopter to come and check us out. I think I caught them napping.

 

[Sea Devil]

I have a nasty feeling that there is going to be a really bad yachty tragedy with Pirates in the Gulf of Aden - Red Sea area.. Somalia and Eritrea are in such a pathetic and desperate state you should not be surprised if 'gun law' prevails..

I want to see Reunion and all those places anyway not to mention the Atlantic Islands..

Michael

 

[merenpleine]

THIS THREAD WILL RUN AND RUN i SUSPECT...I WOULD JUST ADD THE FOLLOWING....To carry a firearm on board is a decision only the owner can make advice is on here by the ton..but its up to the person concerned.. I may if I thought my passage would put me at risk take one..However on approaching destination or safer waters with no real threat I would deep six it!!........As an ex Army man to bear arms is a big responsibilty and to know when and how to open fire is a bigger one...In a nutshell ARE you prepared to kill a another human being...this it not the movies people come apart if you hit them at close quarters ...and very messy....and the speed one would have to make ready aim and fire comes with years of experience..also making the judgement ARE these people the threat I think they are...and there will be more than ONE of em...won't there and all will not board you so what about the guys in the boat they too will be armed...basically that means ALL your crew would have to armed and be prepared to do all the above.....In my opinion stay clear well clear 100+ miles if possible of shores likely to harbour chancers, armed bandits, or the real thing ...Huge RIBS 2 or more 200HP outboards can be a clue Huge local fishing boats that are not quite rigged for the job in hand....and over crewed...and sporting a RIB on davits...Lately really big Motor Yachts and huge Ocean going yachts are carrying SUPER SQUIRTERS really powerful hoses that knock all and sundry off feet at quite a range........the debate goes on ......and on.......

 

[bendyone]

No problem on Speed ferry from Dover

 

[bendyone]

You can only get the European cert if you have a UK cert. BTW it free of charge.

 

[badman]

Taking firearms on a voyage to protect your self and crew.
Do you carry a knife when walking in London to protect your self from muggers or as that is illegal carry a large walking stick most people do not. Do you think they should.

 

[Swagman]

Methinks the opinions of those who have been pirated are worth much more than those who've never had the pleasure.

MichaelEs had the experience - and I'd follow his suggestion. IMHO its not worth carrying a gun, nor go where the risk is high. Surely, if the areas of real risk are only Somalia / Red Sea and Singapore Straights - it leaves plenty of other nice places to visit in ones lifetime and not have to worry about a firearm.....
Cheers
JOHN