If you’re in a situation where you’d like to transport some firearms on a boat, you’ll find yourself asking a lot of questions.
First of all, how should firearms be transported on a boat?
Before deciding to go hunting or move your firearms around, you need to be updated with some information. This includes maritime law, national and international laws, and your state law.
The second question is, of course: What are the regulations regarding going around with a gun?
Transportation itself shouldn’t be a difficult process, but you might want to get your facts right. That way, you won’t have to endure any significant consequences.
Let’s jump right in!
How Should Firearms be Transported on a Boat?
There’s one thing that all gun enthusiasts seem to agree on: keep your gun unloaded at all times, except if you’re planning on using it. This isn’t just for your own safety, most states’ jurisdictions necessitate that. So, bearing that in mind, this is the first step.
Use a Case for Your Firearms
This might seem like an obvious one, but you’ll be surprised by how many people choose to ignore that and walk around with their gun unsheathed.
There are two types of cases. There’s the normal case, which is usually waterproof and comes with a sling. It’s specially made to be transported on your back or on a boat.
The other option is a fixed case. This is more suitable for frequent transportation of firearms and is custom-built. This is safer than standard cases and is usually made out of better material.
Avoid Having Your Guns Near the Water
You probably know yourself that guns aren’t very tolerant of the water. Seawater contains salt that can corrode your gun.
Even if your gun is made from a material that doesn’t get affected by rust, like stainless steel or a nickel exterior, owning a waterproof case is important in increasing your gun’s lifespan.
Transporting Multiple Firearms
Do you have more than one gun? You need to understand the way firearms are properly handled, especially if there’ll be people accompanying you on the journey.
Guns can get messy really fast, and there are some essential steps that you need to take to minimize any adverse consequences.
The first thing you want to do is unload all your weapons and put them in cases, even before boarding.
Put one gun in the front of the boat and make sure the guns aren’t facing any of the passengers.
Next, have one passenger sit in the front, right behind the gun, to secure it. You can place another gun at the back of the boat, facing outwards away from any passengers.
A second passenger can secure the other weapon. You could also use harnesses to secure the weapons.
Unloading Your Guns
Well, you made it! You’ve successfully transported all your weapons from point A to point B. Does that mean that your job is done? Absolutely not!
You’re almost there, though.
Follow these basic steps to safely remove your weapons and use them without any hassle or unwanted incidents.
- All your weapons should be facing away from the passengers, with their muzzle point being outward.
- If you have multiple guns, remove them one by one in an orderly fashion and make sure they’re away from any passenger or a living being.
- Exit the boat with your unloaded guns.
- Once you’re on land, you can start assembling and loading your guns with ammunition.
- Once you’re done, you can disassemble, unload, and put your guns back on the boat, using the steps mentioned in the above section.
What If I Want to Shoot My Gun While Onboard?
If you’re about to shoot your gun while still in the water, you need to make sure your vessel isn’t moving. As an extra precautionary measure, you can anchor your boat and secure it by turning off the motor.
The first and foremost step is to make sure your target is what you’re intending on shooting. Once you are positive that you’ve identified your target, pull the trigger.
Don’t make a decision if you’re tired or trigger-happy because you want to start hunting already. Take your time and make an informed decision based on the animal’s shape, color, sound, and movement.
Don’t forget to unload your gun when you’re done and put it back, pointing outward.
The Laws
There are some laws that you need to familiarize yourself with before carrying guns around.
When you’re in the sea, you’re governed by maritime law. Maritime legal jurisdiction changes from state to sate, and from one country to another. Yet, they generally follow the same principle.
The federal court is what decides maritime law most of the time. If you’re from the U.S.A, you do have the right to carry a weapon because of the famous Second Amendment.
Of course, every state will have its own state-specific laws that might deviate from the national standard. If you’re from Florida and want to go to New York, you’ll find that the laws, especially gun laws, are much stricter there.
Want to always stay informed about the current laws in your zone? FindLaw offers a comprehensive resource detailing pretty much all gun laws that you might need.
Finally, there are international laws. For that, there’s territorial legislation that applies to wherever you’re at.
You must keep a distance of 12 nautical miles from the coastline nearest to you. Some experts will recommend a distance of 24 miles so that you stay out of any country’s territory.
In Conclusion
Carrying guns around is no joke. Staying informed at all times with the current laws is essential to avoid any trouble.
Whether you’re planning on using your gun to hunt or carrying it around as an extra layer of protection, follow precautionary measures and stay safe.