Is there maritime or international law that makes it difficult to arm merchant ships This was routine in World War 2 There must be a reason it isn't done as much now as piracy increases.?

Answer 1

Not sure if it's a "law". I believe Merchant Marine regulations prohibit mariners from carrying weapons aboard ship. During WW2 most if not all US flagged merchant vessels were armed. They usually carried a single 3" - 5" deck gun and numerous anti-aircraft weapons. The weapons were manned by US Navy or US Coast Guard personnel. Most prohibitions against armed vessels concern entry into ports. Many nations will not allow armed vessels to sail into their ports. All it would take is for one port on an itenerary to ban weapons. Several countries (including the US) prohibit armed merchant vessels in their national waters. This is by statute, so it could be easily repealed if need be. My question is why we haven't revived the Q-ships? These ships were very successful during WW2. Take an ordinary freighter. Arm it to the teeth (hidden of course). Sail into troubled waters. When attacked, they retaliate with overwhelming force. End of problem. These ships frequently altered their appearance and national flag so as to be hard to recognize. It wouldn't be hard to set up a fleet of armoured and armed Q-ships from old freighters and tankers. There is a cost involved so that is probably the limiting factor. Nobody wants to spend any money to prevent piracy. They would rather pay the ransom if hijacked. However, picture the pirates surprise when the vessel they are trying to hijack suddenly drops hatches and reveals several 20-40mm gatling guns. TOO LATE TO RUN!