Reply from DNR re: Guns on Boats in MD

[Exile]

OOOOPS! Thanks for the correction.

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by russcannell

As a UK citizen I find this dilemma over handguns rather interesting. I would have thought that once a handgun is obtained and licenced. That licence would be valid over the whole of the US including territories. Certainly in the UK that is the case. I never realised that individual states had a different gun policy. Most confusing, however I have to say that here in the UK if they found a gun onboard. It would most likely result in the call out of some guys in black jump suits who will shoot you. Then if you haven't died, will give you lots of cash as compensation to keep you quiet.

Tis a strange world

Remember : it is a Union of States.. each one with its own legislation.. laws are not the same in France and England, even if being both part of the EU.. same here.. Louisiana is still inspired by the Napoleonic code.. and different states different laws.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by Alecadi

Remember : it is a Union of States.. each one with its own legislation.. laws are not the same in France and England, even if being both part of the EU.. same here.. Louisiana is still inspired by the Napoleonic code.. and different states different laws.

Yes, a Federalist system where the federal gov't only has limited & enumerated powers as set forth in the constitution. All other powers are reserved to the states, or to the people. It was you Brits, after all, who originally drove us to this system!

[russcannell]

Originally Posted by Exile

Yes, a Federalist system where the federal gov't only has limited & enumerated powers as set forth in the constitution. All other powers are reserved to the states, or to the people. It was you Brits, after all, who originally drove us to this system!

Well I thought it would take we Brits to think of the most complicated system of government imaginable..!! I used to have a very very old Very signal pistol onboard. It was so rusty it wouldn't have a chance of firing anything. Unfortunately it was found during a safety inspection by the local lifeboat volunteers (RNLI). Wow narrowly escaped a prosecution for that one back in the early 70's. Apparently you need a firearms certificate to hold one. Not even sure if you can still get the shells for it now.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by russcannell

Well I thought it would take we Brits to think of the most complicated system of government imaginable..!! I used to have a very very old Very signal pistol onboard. It was so rusty it wouldn't have a chance of firing anything. Unfortunately it was found during a safety inspection by the local lifeboat volunteers (RNLI). Wow narrowly escaped a prosecution for that one back in the early 70's. Apparently you need a firearms certificate to hold one. Not even sure if you can still get the shells for it now.

Yup.... So if any off you guys from the Colonies come over to the 'Old Countries' with your Flare Pistols be advised... Declare them as weapons on arrival else if for some reason your boat gets searched and they are discovered you could be in Mega Deep Pooh.....

PS; Don't blame the 'Brits' for your 'Political Setup'... we've been under German Bondage for Centuries....

[psneeld]

The rule for USCG searches is "man sized" spaces can be accessed..not drawers or cabinets....and of course plain view.

The man sized space rule or guideline comes from the necessity to make sure there isn't any hidden compartments and to be able to access spaces that would lead to the bilge/large systems etc..etc..

This "rule/guideline" is usually by most LEOs except for Fish and Game guys who can inspect coolers, fridges, freezers, live wells or other areas that one may keep fish/bait in.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Just to say that in this part of Britain we can have guns, including handguns. Some folks even have stuff you need a tripod for............

Not a lot of crime here . and violence is mostly idiot on idiot But that's because we be civilised, not because we be gun toting (most people don't have guns).

No idea what the rules are for visitors bearing weapons - probably one to check out in advance........

[Jon Hacking]

So, I have a strange question: We're a Federally Documented vessel - overseas. Nominal home port of Seattle, WA (not that Ocelot's ever been there).

Who decides what we're allowed to carry OVERSEAS?

Anyone know? I contacted the US consulate in South Africa (where we were when the issue came up) & they didn't want to touch it with a barge-pole.

In some ways, UK law is simpler. What I found on the internet was that UK vessels are allowed to carry a shotgun. But outside the UK they're allowed to carry just about anything - they just can't bring it back to the UK. US law is much more complicated - & difficult to interpret...

[doug86]

Originally Posted by Jon Hacking

So, I have a strange question: We're a Federally Documented vessel - overseas. Nominal home port of Seattle, WA (not that Ocelot's ever been there).

Who decides what we're allowed to carry OVERSEAS?

When on the high seas, you are subject to the laws of your home country. When in the waters of a foreign country, you are subject to their laws.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Jon Hacking

... Who decides what we're allowed to carry OVERSEAS? ...

Each (overseas) jurisdiction has it's own rules, regulations, and laws.
When in Rome, obey the laws of Rome, and etc.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Each (overseas) jurisdiction has it's own rules, regulations, and laws.
When in Rome, obey the laws of Rome, and etc.

Obey the rules of whoever has more guns........

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

Obey the rules of whoever has more guns..

Neither funny, nor helpful.

[Jon Hacking]

Originally Posted by doug86

When on the high seas, you are subject to the laws of your home country. When in the waters of a foreign country, you are subject to their laws.

Right. So, if the rules are set by the individual states, what are the rules of my "home country"?

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Jon Hacking

Right. So, if the rules are set by the individual states, what are the rules of my "home country"?

Dunno...Home Port perhaps??

[Exile]

This should be helpful, albeit a few years old:

Noonsite: Practical and Legal Implications of the Carriage of Firearms