Firearms Aboard in MD

nailbunnySPU · #1 (**permalink**) 04-18-2009

Just on the off chance that any else in this forum is from MD, would anyone happen to know the rules concerning guns and liveaboards?

From what I gather, I'm allowed to have guns at my residence, as long as they are locked in some way to protect drunks and children. If my residence has sails, does that change?

Furthermore, MD says I'm allowed to have a pistol in a vehicle as long as I'm going to or from some place like a shooting range or gun show etc. It must also be kept in a different place than the ammunition. As I understand it, shotguns and rifles aren't quite so restricted insofar as I think i would be within my rights to walk around in broad daylight carrying one, no permit. But that's another story.

What do i do with my guns when I'm underway? I'm not even talking about leaving the country.

Whose jurisdiction is this? I asked some police, they told me to ask DNR, I sent off an email and haven''t heard from them.

NICHOLSON58 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-19-2009

MD? I assume Maryland.

You can pack in the USA according to Federal and State laws. Mostly, you can carry unloaded guns in a case under the various & similar laws for hunting weapons (long guns) while a vessel is under way. Most states do not have highly onerous rules for hunting guns. You are not generally permitted to discharge a weapon inside city limits or within a specified proximity to an ocupied dwelling etc. You are not permitted to hunt from a moving vessel. You will have more trouble with hand guns. These may require varying levels of registration, licensing, tracking, training etc. depending on the state. Some states have concealed weapons rights etc. and some other states may not recognize them. If you plan to hunt under way (some people hunt waterfoul in season) then it is simple to find out the state's DNR regulations on transport. Its really not any different than crossing a state line with a gun. You don't declair it to anybody etc. Your live-on home is afforded the same legal status as a land-based home. This also protects you from illeagle search and seizure. This is not always respeced by some members of the police - after all there was 911 so they think they can do anything. After all, you might be a 7 mph terrorist. If you are boarded by police or USCG, immeadiately declare you are armed and be polite. It will go a long way if your guns are cased and locked and if your ammunition is locked seperately.

That said, I do not plan to park anywhere, especially in the U.S., where I plan to have to shoot someone. I am more worried that some crook would steel my gun, use it on me or in some other crime.

If you are concerned about personal safety, consider what mayhem a flair pistol might cause on an approaching boat. I figgure burning magnesium bouncing around a wheel-house or gas cans would divert attention. There are also lots of other less lethal means to handle the normal low-end crook.

hellosailor · #3 (**permalink**) 04-19-2009

" Your live-on home is afforded the same legal status as a land-based home. This also protects you from illeagle search and seizure. "
What planet did oyu come from, and where can I book a return flight on the next shuttle heading back that way?

In America, a boat is a boat and is sadly subject to many types of boardings and inspections WITHOUT WANT OR WARRANT OR PROBABLE CAUSE. That's the law in all 50 states and all 11 insular possessions, period, no debate, no question, tested, tried, and upheld by all the courts.

Is that illegal under the Fourth Amendment and other laws? Absolutely, but that's immaterial unless you want to be the poster child who can get all those wrong rulings overthrown. And much as I'd appreciate your effort--I couldn't fund it.

Nailbunny, "Mary Land" has a reputation as being a hostile place for many things, among them gun owners and gun rights. I'd suggest you contact the Maryland State AG's office and ask them for an advisory opinion, because short of that, you are back to simply transporting a gun in a motor vehicle (assuming you've got a motor on the boat) and you may very well be held to whatever state laws are on that.

On being boarded, if questioned about weapons you may choose to dissemble and reply "In conformance with United States Naval regulations, I cannot confirm or deny the presence of any nuclear weapons on board this vessel."

JHJensen · #4 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009

[QUOTE=hellosailor;477364]" Your live-on home is afforded the same legal status as a land-based home. This also protects you from illeagle search and seizure. "
What planet did oyu come from, and where can I book a return flight on the next shuttle heading back that way?

In America, a boat is a boat and is sadly subject to many types of boardings and inspections WITHOUT WANT OR WARRANT OR PROBABLE CAUSE. That's the law in all 50 states and all 11 insular possessions, period, no debate, no question, tested, tried, and upheld by all the courts.

Is that illegal under the Fourth Amendment and other laws? Absolutely, but that's immaterial unless you want to be the poster child who can get all those wrong rulings overthrown. And much as I'd appreciate your effort--I couldn't fund it.

Nailbunny, "Mary Land" has a reputation as being a hostile place for many things, among them gun owners and gun rights. I'd suggest you contact the Maryland State AG's office and ask them for an advisory opinion, because short of that, you are back to simply transporting a gun in a motor vehicle (assuming you've got a motor on the boat) and you may very well be held to whatever state laws are on that.

On being boarded, if questioned about weapons you may choose to dissemble and reply "In conformance with United States Naval regulations, I cannot confirm or deny the presence of any nuclear weapons on board this vessel."[/QUOTE]

Hellosailor,

Now your boat will be searched!!!

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009

So, you're saying firearms are okay, but I should leave my nukes in the bunker in Massachusetts???

JHJensen · #6 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

So, you're saying firearms are okay, but I should leave my nukes in the bunker in Massachusetts???

SD-

Are you "allowed" to possess nukes in MA? I never would have guessed you have a bunker.

JHJ

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009

Ummm... I can't comment...

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHJensen

SD-

Are you "allowed" to possess nukes in MA? I never would have guessed you have a bunker.

JHJ

hellosailor · #8 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009

JH, that's OK. Once the local suit picks himself up from the floor, he'll call in the real pros, so at least the rest of the searching will be performed by officers and gentlemen. (G)

Besides, it creates full employment in the homeland security, ergh, civil defense, ergh, domestic terrorism industry, and isn't full employment a good thing?

sck5 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009

On my boat I can only nuke things when I am connected to shore power.

sck5 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-20-2009

actually, on the real topic of this thread, it occurred to me that it would be easy to shoot geese from my boat. It seems like I should be OK if I am anchored when I do it - Does anybody know the rules in Maryland? I assume all the rules about non-toxic shot, limited magazine capacity, federal duck stamp etc. are the same in MD as they are NY.