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By Dave Kellerman (see author's
background)
President, Special Ops Associates, Inc.
 This article is about the practicalities of carrying a firearm aboard a
vessel. I respect other's opinions and fully realize that not all vessel
owners and operators have a desire to possess a firearm. We are not going to
engage in any type of gun control debate. If you desire to own a firearm for
personal protection and vessel defense, and the law allows you to do so,
then this article will provide you with some useful information.
The information in this article applies to both pleasure and
commercial craft. This article is by no means a complete discussion of the
matter and should not be used as the sole basis for deciding to possess and
carry a firearm onboard a vessel.
My opinions stated in this article are a culmination of 20+
years of personal hands on experience gathered in law enforcement and
military situations. This article is not based on "arm chair" opinions as
many others seem to acquire by reading magazines, novels, and by watching
television shows. When dealing with serious items such as firearms, you are
best served by getting your information from professionally established
experts, not from "self titled" experts or hobbyists...the kind
you might run into at a gun show. I personally hate gun shows, they just
creep me out. Seek out a bonafide firearms dealer with a storefront! They
can usually put you in touch with a qualified firearms instructor.
To carry or not to carry
The question always arises "should I carry a firearm aboard my boat for
personal protection?" This subject has caused many a heated debate among boaters and mariners.
The issue can actually be very simple if you are a mariner who cruises in
only one jurisdiction, meaning you home state.
Step 1: Research the local laws and regulations regarding the possession
firearms. Ask a law enforcement officer if you are unsure of a particular
law.
Step 2: Obtain formal training and education in the handling and employment
of a firearm, to include a thorough understanding of "deadly force" issues.
Those that think the mere possession of a firearm provides an increase in
security are ignorant. Without proper education and training, the firearm is
a liability, not an enhancement to security.
Final Step: Select a suitable firearm that you are comfortable with and can
operate without an owners manual!
Sounds simple, but, if you are a mariner who: a) travels to more than one
local jurisdiction, and b) frequently cruises near, through, or within the
territorial waters of another nation, you have a much bigger dilemma.
Crossing borders
Each state and each nation has it's own legal restrictions on the purchase, possession,
and storage
of firearms. Many of these laws are very stringent with severe penalties for
infractions. If you plan to cruise in the Caribbean, you may travel through
the territorial waters of 5 or 6 (or more) independent nations in the course
of a few days or weeks. Prior research on the firearm regulations within your
designated cruising area should be a mandatory part of your pre-voyage
planning.
It would be impossible to list all the various laws and regulations from
various nations here. Your best source is to contact local state authorities
and the consulates of the nations you intend to include in your itinerary.
Ask them for verifiable information on firearms laws for cruising vessels.
DO NOT rely solely on the information reported in "cruising guides". The
information is usually outdated.
There are special dispensations for the carriage of firearms aboard certain
commercial vessels. Due to security considerations I will not elaborate on
this subject in this article. Vessel masters are encouraged to contact local
Customs officials to fully explore these options.
Will your "armed protection" result in increased risk?
It all comes down to a matter of risk doesn't it? Because we all know that
some who desire to carry a firearm aboard will do so even where the laws
prohibit it. It is their choice and they have weighed the risks...or have
they?
Consider this... a vessel with no firearms aboard, cruising in an area that
prohibits firearms, is at risk only from the natural and criminal elements in the particular locale. Yet a vessel that has a firearm aboard in
an area that prohibits firearms is at risk from natural, criminal, and law
enforcement elements. Your effort to protect your vessel with a firearm has
just INCREASED the level of risk to the vessel and crew significantly. Prison
terms, vessel seizure, and
extreme fines are now added to the list of potential "dangers". You will
have to decide which course of action to take and only you will know if it
is worth the risk!
Choosing the right firearm
A 12-gauge pump action shotgun with a barrel length of approx. 22" or less,
and constructed of stainless steel or finished with a corrosion resistant
coating can be considered the perfect vessel defense firearm. This firearm is easy to
maintain, rarely malfunctions and can engage targets at stand-off ranges to
100 yards using rifled slugs. It can safely engage attackers within the
confines of a vessel without the danger of round "over penetration" when using
shells of #4 Buckshot or smaller.
The visual psychological factor of a full size shotgun and the audible
psychological factor of the distinct sound made when "racking" a shell in
offers a powerful deterrent. There are numerous cases where vessel operators
were prepared to engage attackers yet the attackers fled when they saw or
"heard" the shotgun. This is not always the case but it makes a very good
argument.
The deterrence factor of a shotgun is not
unfounded . I can personally attest to the fact that it garners more respect
than even an assault rifle. In more than one instance while on patrol in
Afghanistan, I used a shotgun to keep a crowd at bay, even while armed with
an M-4 assault rifle with M-203 grenade launcher attached. I asked my
interpreter about the phenomenon. He told me that the Muslims had a saying
to the effect of "if one is shot with a rifle he can live, if one is shot
with a shotgun it only means death". Regardless of the interpretation, it
worked, more than once!
Deterrence is always a better result as opposed to a gunfight.
A minor drawback of a shotgun is its size, specifically it's overall length. The
close quarters aboard a vessel may limit maneuverability and employment.
This issue can be mitigated with a folding stock. Do not be tempted by a
pistol grip in place of a folding or fixed stock. You will not be able to
accurately aim and control the firearm with only a pistol grip. In any
event, a shotgun with an 18" barrel and full length stock can easily be
managed on most vessels.
Shotguns are more widely accepted in various locales than pistols or rifles.
They normally do not conjure up sinister images in the eyes of law
enforcement officials when they are declared or presented (stay away from
military style "combat" shotguns).
Black guns
Those impressive semi-automatic rifles (some call them assault rifles...many
are black in color) with high capacity magazines are certainly very capable
of defending you and your vessel. The problem with them is that they can
cause undue law enforcement scrutiny (even in areas where firearm laws are
very relaxed) just because of their looks and reputations.
Another problem is the potential for round "over penetration" and excessive
ammunition range. A errant round discharged in the confines of a vessel can
penetrate many fiberglass, wood, and even aluminum bulkheads and decks. This
can cause machinery damage and in the worst case injury to your crew or
loved ones.
Sure they can "reach out and touch someone" at 200, 300 or 400 yards, but
can you ever justify shooting at someone at that range? Doubtful! Folks we
are talking about personal and vessel defense, not ship to ship combat. If
you have a semi-automatic rifle and are proficient in its use, fine. But
consider a shotgun for the obvious reasons.
Besides, it is easier to practice and train with a shotgun where you only need
a few hundred yards of open water or space as opposed to a high powered
rifle where you need miles of clear space or armored backdrops. You were
going to train and practice weren't you?
Best rifle calibers for vessel defense: 7.62mm (.30 cal) 5.56mm (.223 cal).
Handguns
Easy to conceal and easy to employ in close quarters. Main drawbacks are
their limited stopping power and (in some cases) their difficulty to master.
Handguns are subject to more regulations and control in almost every
location abroad.
Semi-automatics and revolvers are equally capable defensive tools in the
hands of a skilled used. It is your choice. Minimum acceptable caliber is
.38 cal or 9mm.
Train and practice often, repeat, train and practice often.
Choose stainless steel or polymer construction when possible. Clean and
lubricate often, repeat, clean and lubricate often.
Deadly Force
The following definitions and statutory extracts are taken from the 2004
Florida Statutes. They may vary slightly in different locales but remain a
good representation of worldwide definitions.
Deadly force defined:
(1) The term "deadly force" means force that is likely to cause death or
great bodily harm and includes, but is not limited to:
(a) The firing of a firearm in the direction of the person to be arrested,
even though no intent exists to kill or inflict great bodily harm; and
(b) The firing of a firearm at a vehicle in which the person to be arrested
is riding.
Use of force in defense of a person: A person is justified in the use of
force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the
person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself
or herself or another against such other's imminent use of unlawful force.
However, the person is justified in the use of deadly force only if he or
she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent
death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent
the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
Use of force in defense of others: A person is justified in the use of
force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the
person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to prevent or
terminate such other's trespass on, or other tortious or criminal
interference with, either real property other than a dwelling or personal
property, lawfully in his or her possession or in the possession of another
who is a member of his or her immediate family or household or of a person
whose property he or she has a legal duty to protect. However, the person is
justified in the use of deadly force only if he or she reasonably believes
that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent commission of a
forcible felony.
Forcible felony: "Forcible felony" means treason; murder; manslaughter;
sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery; robbery; burglary; arson;
kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking;
aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive
device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of
physical force or violence against any individual.
Survival Mindset
You have armed yourself with the tools and knowledge to provide for an
increase in your personal safety and that of your loved ones. The final
question that remains is whether or not you can "pull the trigger" when the
time comes.
I sincerely hope that no person ever has to experience this scenario, BUT,
if you do, the deciding factor in your survival will be your ability to act
or react without hesitation. The person who draws a gun, but cannot use it,
is the person who should have never had possession of a gun. Because by
drawing or presenting the firearm, you have just stepped into the arena as a
combatant and there usually is no turning back.
An ideal scenario will have the attackers immediately turn tail and run, but
that should not be why you presented the firearm. The firearm should only be
presented when you are committed to using it as a tool of deadly force. It
is not a "scare tactic" and any deterrence is a passive but welcomed side
effect...and if they run you had better not shoot.
Be advised that you cannot stop the flight of a bullet once it has been
fired from the gun. It is a point of no return when the hammer falls. The
impact of the bullet in its target will be its termination of flight. Be
sure of why you are shooting, and be sure of your target!
A good rule of thumb is "if you have to think about pulling the
trigger...you probably should not be pulling the trigger".
A survival mindset will help you win a gunfight and it may be the deciding
factor in your survival. Think about it!
Safety
Safety is always the first issue I discuss when training my students and it
is the single most important issue surrounding a firearm. I am addressing
safety last in this case so it will be fresh in your mind when you finish
this article.
Each and every firearm that you keep aboard must be secured from
unauthorized access, ESPECIALLY if you have children present.
No person should ever handle or shoot a firearm without first receiving some
form of formal instruction. Formal instruction does not consist of a few
hours of shooting with friends or weekend range warriors, and those $45.00
concealed weapons classes are only designed to get you a CCW license,
nothing else. You cannot get quality firearms instruction for $45.00.
The instruction must come from
a certified or licensed professional instructor. Your "buddy" who spent 10
years in the military may be an excellent shooter, but he may not have any
idea or information on current deadly force issues. So save yourself some
grief and seek out professional instruction.
Gun safety rules must be understood and applied in all situations involving
firearms.
The three fundamental rules of gun safety must always be applied
simultaneously when handling or using a gun:
1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
The following gun safety rules should also be observed when using or storing
a gun:
Know your target and what is beyond.
Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
Know how to use the gun safely.
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Wear hearing and eye protection as appropriate.
Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Do you desire a legal means to carry a firearm for defensive use in
any cruising location your vessel may visit? If you are a vessel owner or
licensed captain, we offer consultation and training regarding the issue of
legally carrying firearms onboard, anywhere. Please contact us for further
information. We will not reply to "curiosity" inquiries!
I welcome your comments and input regarding this article. Please contact me
via our contact page.
External links are authorized with the caveat that you provide us with the
location of the originating website.
Author Background:
Dave is the owner of Special Ops Associates Inc. He's been licensed as a U.S.C.G
Master for over 19 years. He is well versed in contemporary matters
involving firearms legal issues and the use of deadly force in self-defense
situations. His law enforcement and firearms qualifications include:
Special Agent, Department of Homeland Security. Federal Law Enforcement
Firearms Instructor, NRA Certified Police
Firearms Instructor, NRA Certified Personal Protection Instructor, Glock
Certified Instructor, State of Florida Licensed Firearms Instructor, and
service with the U.S. Army Special Forces (1980 - 2005). Dave recently
returned from a year-long tour as a member of a U.S. Special Forces A-Team
in Afghanistan where he served as the Senior Weapons Sergeant, among other
awards, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals for his
service during the deployment.
Copyright © 2005. David N. Kellerman. All Rights Reserved
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