How Should Firearms Be Transported on a Boat?

Pirates aren’t all movie stars these days. They — and other bad actors — are still a serious threat to a boat, especially if you’re cruising international waters.

Whether you’re worried about pirates or other security issues, it’s your right to protect yourself. That’s why some mariners choose to carry firearms on their boats.

That said, legal issues can arise depending on where you are. For example, crossing state lines with your firearm onboard (which is easy to do in places like the Long Island Sound) can quickly land you in hot water.

In that case, how should firearms be transported on a boat in order to avoid both legal and safety issues? We’re breaking down everything you need to know.

Legal Requirements for Transporting Firearms on a Boat

The Coast Guard doesn’t have any special regulations for transporting firearms on a boat besides the federal laws that already exist around weapons. The same laws that apply to keeping a gun in your house or car apply on a boat — but additional requirements do vary at the state level. 

To safely and legally transport firearms on a boat, it’s essential to know the laws in your state and the surrounding areas. Just because you have a license for a firearm in New Jersey doesn’t mean you can take that gun into Pennsylvania or Delaware. 

Even with proper documentation to carry a gun in one state, many people get into a jam when they venture into other states, sometimes unknowingly. So, always know where you are, and know the laws anywhere you might end up.

Firearm Safety and Storage on a Boat

Gun safety practices are largely the same on the water as on land. Keep your weapon secure and everyone onboard safe by following these protocols:

• Store Securely: Install a securely anchored gun safe or lockbox for firearms; always store your firearm in this location.
• Unload and Separate: Store your weapon unloaded, and store ammo in a different locked container.
• Lock Up: Use trigger locks to prevent accidental discharge.
• Get Trained: Undergo complete safety training for properly handling and transporting firearms.
• Train Others: Educate all passengers and crew about firearm safety. Even if they never intend to handle a gun, proper training prevents accidents.
• Carry Documentation: Keep the necessary permits for your firearms with you at all times, and be prepared to show them.
• Inform Officials: Notify law enforcement or Coast Guard officers about firearms onboard during any interaction. For your safety and theirs, always disclose this information before officers board your vessel, regardless of whether you’re in compliance with regulations.

In addition to these standard gun safety practices, you’ll need to consider a few extra elements for gun safety on a boat. In particular, think about protecting your passengers. 

First, choose your storage location wisely. Don’t just shove a gun under your pillow or beneath your mattress; lock it in a cool, dry, and concealed location. Not only does this protect your gun from theft and damage, but it also keeps both young and old passengers safe.

Of course, you have to balance the safety of your storage location with accessibility. You brought your gun for protection, so you still need quick access to both the firearm and ammo in an emergency. 

Another aspect of gun safety that differs slightly on the water is firearm maintenance. You may store a gun safely in your house for years without touching it and expect it to come out in good working order. But storing that same firearm on a boat exposes it to marine conditions, and it may not emerge as safe or dependable from the harsh environment.

Maintaining Firearms in a Marine Environment

Even small firearms have dozens of moving parts, each one subject to corrosion and deterioration in the salty sea air. Proper cleaning and maintenance are a must to ensure longevity and functionality. 

Whether your firearm has been submerged in salt water or simply exposed to the marine environment, follow these steps:

• Rinse your gun immediately with fresh water to remove salt before damage occurs.
• Take apart the firearm according to your skill level and the manual’s instructions.
• Use gun cleaner to thoroughly clean all parts, paying close attention to the barrel and action.
• Fully dry each part, either by wiping it down or by air drying it away from salt exposure.
• Apply quality gun oil to all components as directed by the manufacturer.
• Protect your gun by applying a corrosion-resistant coating.
• Reassemble the firearm and ensure it functions properly.
• Store your gun in a dry place.
• Check for rust or damage regularly, especially after marine exposure.

Before You Get Underway: Lessons for Carrying a Firearm on a Boat

Incidents involving firearms on boats are rare in the U.S., but when they do happen, you can learn a lot from the stories.

For example, a recreational boater in the Long Island Sound once noticed a jet skier operating in what he believed to be a dangerous fashion, too close to his vessel. The boat owner retrieved his gun and started firing toward the jet skier.

While no one was injured, the marine police arrested the owner of the boat. He claimed he was using his gun as a warning device to alert the jet skier to the impending danger — a claim that didn’t go well for him.

In another incident, a dispute among recreational boaters escalated into a shooting off the coast of Florida.

The disagreement began over anchoring proximity at a popular gathering spot. What started as a verbal altercation turned physical. Eventually, one of the parties retrieved a firearm from their vessel and discharged it, fortunately without hitting their target.

While it’s important to know how a firearm should be transported on a boat, stories like these demonstrate the importance of education in other areas as well.

Before you bring a gun onboard, consider these valuable takeaways from the above stories:

1. Conflict Resolution: Incidents like the above underscore the importance of learning to address situations calmly and diplomatically to prevent escalation.
2. Firearm Safety and Awareness: If firearms are present on a vessel, strict safety protocols must be in place, including secure storage and a clear understanding of when and how a firearm can be used in compliance with local and federal laws.
3. Legal Consequences: Gun owners must understand both the state and federal legal implications of carrying and potentially using a firearm on a recreational boat.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Boaters should be prepared to handle emergencies without resorting to violence. This includes having communication equipment for law enforcement or marine patrol assistance if a situation escalates beyond safe control.
5. Education and Training: Boaters carrying firearms need extensive safety training, covering not only safe handling and storage of firearms but also decision-making under stress to ensure firearms are used appropriately and lawfully.

Firearms on a Boat: Final Thoughts

Mariners have plenty of legitimate reasons to transport firearms on their boats. That being the case, it makes good sense to learn how to store, maintain, and use those firearms both safely and lawfully.

To learn more about safe marine operations of all kinds, find a course that’s right for you with Mariners Learning System. From recreational boating to commercial charters, we detail everything you need to know to keep you, your boat, and your passengers safe on the water.