Gun Owner Laws??

Dempsey15 · 10-29-2009, 06:17 AM

I was just reading a post about crime on the high seas. I was just wondering if anyone knew what the laws are about carrying fire arms on a private vessel. I know in Texas and Louisiana, you vehical is considered an extension of your home. What about your boat? Are you allowed to posses a fire arm while in federal waters?

dryhydro · 10-29-2009, 06:36 AM

Yes,If you are boarded.They will ask you if you have any firearms.Tell them where they are located.They will retrieve them and hold them until the inspection is complete.At that point they will be returned.

lariverdog · 10-29-2009, 10:24 AM

I've never had any problem with the CG, can't say for the local boys. I've just told them what and where, they didn't seem too interested. Course that might have been different if I'd acted hostile.

Dempsey15 · 10-29-2009, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the info guys. I am in the process of getting my CHL anyway, but still nice to know how they are going to react.

smalltuna · 10-31-2009, 01:14 AM

Just make sure you can legaly posses a firearm.

Per the ATF.GOV website: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b5
(Question B5) Are there certain persons who cannot legally receive or possess firearms and/or ammunition? [Back]
Yes, a person who -
(1) Has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year; (FELON)
(2) Is a fugitive from justice;
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance;
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution;
(5) Is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States or an alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa;
(6) Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
(7) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her citizenship;
(8) Is subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner; or (9) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

Check to see if what you are carrying is not a Title 2 weapon. If so make sure you have the appropriate paperwork with you.

Just make sure if you are boarded by the CG you notify them that you do have a weapon on board.

When I was doing boardings in the Coast Guard, the first thing I would ask was were there any weapons on board. This is a safety issue for both parties.

Hope this helps.

Steve_250 · 10-31-2009, 06:55 AM

But don't forget, before you get to federal waters, you have to go through state waters.
Each state varies in their laws for transporting weapons of any kind, especially firearms.
You'll need to get it to the boat via private land vehicle too.
It would behoove you to consult your state code to ascertain what the legal method of transport and possession is, in vehicle AND boat.

smalltuna · 10-31-2009, 04:12 PM

I agree. You should check the state laws in Texas. Federal waters are whole different ball game.

Boattrash1 · 11-06-2009, 10:03 AM

Check state laws for the waters you will be in. Even w/ a CHL, CCP or whatever it is called in your state. Good website for the laws is Handgunlaw.us
I always check it and in fact print out the info for any state I will be passing through when travelling. Great source for reciprocity info. Remember, your permit may be honored in other states, BUT you are still obliged to comply with their laws in their state.