We can only hope that he has finally learnt the lesson, that Zero tolerance works?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....r-Somali-pirates.html

At last Cameron has finally seen the light, and is thinking of allowing armed guards on board ship, if they apply for a licence.

Why do they need to do that, it is their ship and out of British waters?

/// Evidence from other countries with more relaxed regulations over armed guards was that their ships did not get targeted, he said. ///

Now who would have thought that?

[modeller]

That's what a posh education does for you . Out of touch with reality and a shortage of common sense . I notice he only thinking about it and in the meantime he is being " guided " by those tough characters Lib/Dems and Kenneth Clarke .
What will happen to anyone who does shoot a pirate ? At the moment they would be prosecuted and how about those pirates who are injured will they be compensated and brought back to this country for treatment ?

[Zeuhl]

<<Why do they need to do that, it is their ship and out of British waters?>>

And when they are sailing into port what are they supposed to do with the weapons?

Throw them overboard?

[anotheoldgit]

modeller

That sounds like a good summing up of the situation.

You obviously, (unlike some) have got the 'Namby Pamdy' attitude of our leaders well and truly weighed up.

[rowanwitch]

A secure gun safe with the key secured separately would solve the when in port problem....... just wonder what would happen if a gun happy guard had a bad day though...

[anotheoldgit]

Zeuhl

I would have thought it was obvious, that until needed they would be securely locked up in a strong cabinet, with the Captain having the sole responsibility, to unlock the cabinet and hand out weapons to his crew at the first sign of trouble, and then for them to be returned to the cabinet after the danger was over and before their arrival in port

[Zeuhl]

<<A secure gun safe with the key secured separately would solve the when in port problem>>

Not if they are automatic or heavy calibre weapons under the current laws - hence the need for a special licence.

[Zeuhl]

Same reply to Old Git.

None of what you suggest satisfies UK law re; automatic, heavy calibre or 'assault rifle' type weapons.

Hence the need for special licences.

[anotheoldgit]

rowanwitch

Sorry I must have been creating my post before I saw yours.

/// just wonder what would happen if a gun happy guard had a bad day though...///

One cannot make provisions for all eventualities.

One could equally say that against all service personnel that are in charge of a loaded weapon.

[Zeuhl]

<<One could equally say that against all service personnel >>

But these will be private contractors not service personnel who act within a structure of command, weapon issue protocols and training.

Ensuring the contractors have similar standards are another reason for the 'special licences'.

[DrFilth]

this will get the pirates running away
>
<
>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSp7CipN1pw

[Zeuhl]

Dr F - beaut.

Old Git's imaginary captain will need a big cabinet for that sweet baby!

[DrFilth]

this would probably be better
<
>
<

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KmAOtkKf00

[anotheoldgit]

Oh dear the thread has been taken over once again by juvenile silliness.

[Zeuhl]

No.

Just people exposing the weaknesses in your arguments.

For example;

<<if they apply for a licence.

Why do they need to do that, it is their ship and out of British waters?>>