<Ron wrote in part: I have been reading a story from the Seven Seas Cruising
Association Newsletter about Both the USVI and PR-Lots of
trouble/lawbreaking trouble even approaching these Islands with a gun->

Over the last 2 years we have entered every jurisdiction in the Caribbean
except for Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.
The question asked can be in two forms usually on the Customs declaration
form it asks if you have any firearms on board but it may be worded to ask
if you have any weapons on board. A much more general question.

We have been boarded several times and the question is always "do you have
any firearms or other weapons on board"? This would pretty much covers
everything.

In most of the old British Territories a round of ammunition is enough to
cause you trouble. In Bermuda flare launchers are taken by Customs till your
departure!

A good friend had months of detainment over a crossbow in the BVI several
years back. He finally paid a $10,000 fine and lost the crossbow. He, his
boat and crew were also stuck there till the case was settled about 9 months
later!!

So when you think about carrying weapons try to keep the broader scope in
mind. Firearms are but one of those that are frowned upon by most
jurisdictions.

Tasers are banned in all Caribbean countries that I have been to. Pepper
spray is banned in many.
Dogs are not banned but can be a problem with entry papers that the local
island vet won't approve.

Machete's are a common household appliance, besides how are you going to
chop up your fish ;-)

So your options on weapons are few if you plan on cruising the Northern and
Eastern Caribbean. In Venezuela, Columbia and from the recent news we have
from Panama weapons aren't a problem. Dead bodies on the boat are but those
floating in the sea aren't.

Be aware of your surroundings and do your best to not be in the wrong place
at the wrong time. Do what you can to make your boat the least inviting
target to the perps however you might accomplish this.

We use perimeter security lights on all night and our two "dogs" when
anchored. Underway we have little other than our spotlights and 25mm flare
guns with white phosphorous rounds. Most of the boats are powered by
gasoline and use jugs of fuel to get the range they need. This usually
leaves a bit of gasoline in the open hulls. A well placed flare will set
them alight.

If you are targeted by professionals then there is little you can do. A few
armed men are not something that you can defend against. Ask the crew on the
French Cruise ship in Somalia.

As always YMMV....

Dave & Nancy
Swan Song
Roughwater 58
Caribbean Cruise '08

We always cary wasp spray.  It can shoot a stream of petroleum based
product about 20 feet or so.  An assailant can be severely hampered in
carrying out his plans if he has wasp spray in his eyes.  It has the
added benefit of not being contraband.

Tim Johnson
N6406
CLAIRBUOYANT