Arms aboard – helpful or not?

The question whether to carry arms aboard is probably as old as cruising on yachts. Hundred of times this issue has been discussed in magazines, clubs and on anchorages of this world.
For every point of view there are pros and cons. In my book PIRATES ABOARD! I have described 29 attacks on yachts. 8 skippers were armed, 21 skippers didn't carry arms.
It seems that in the western world the majority of people feel uncomfortable when handling arms. Most of the victims I have interviewed refused to use arms even though they had been attacked before. Many of these suggested preventive measures like, e.g. avoid sailing to dangerous regions.
The conclusion is that people who absolutely reject arms can not be convinced to carry weapons aboard.
On every fourth yacht were arms. Only two skippers out of 29 were able to defend themselves with their arms. Three showed approaching pirates their arms which stopped them in their intention. One died with his rifle in his hand trying to defend his yacht and crew (Sir Peter Blake). Two had weapons aboard but could not get hold of them in time.
When sailing in dangerous regions one must be aware of the worst. Skippers with arms – hidden or not - should have these at handy. What good is a hiding place for if one hasn’t got the time to reach it.
Here is another interesting issue. Let’s say sailor A. has a weapon aboard. Clearing his yacht into customs he has to leave his arm with the custom’s authorities. He continues sailing to a remote anchorage where pirates board his boat. If he had his arm available and used it now, he would be fined, if he had survived at all. Probably his yacht would be detained and he would be sentenced. Which means the end of his sailing.

Are you a type for firearms or not?

In other words: could you shoot at another person? In my book I quote the US expert Dave Kellerman (www.maritimesecurity.com) regarding this matter. Readers can check whether they are the right person for arms or not. In detail Dave deals with the following issues:
- Crossing borders
- Increased risk?
- Choosing the right firearm
- Black guns
- Handguns
- Deadly Force
- Survival Mindset
- Safety

Totally different arms

Whenever talking about arms one thinks of firearms. But there are other methods of self defence, some of them are very intelligent. Inventive bluewater sailors have created a long list of ideas for self-defend. These ideas are most welcomed by those who refuse to carry weapons on their yachts and are looking for alternatives. Some ideas might activate skippers to create new individual tactics for themselfes. You will find many of these intelligent measures in my book, some of them technical, some psychological ones.