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FAQs
What is the legal position on embarking firearms on ships?
This is not a straightforward question that can be answered in one paragraph. However, in broad terms there are 3 factors one must consider.
- The Flag State the ship is registered with.
- The type of firearms possessed.
- Countries due to be visited.
The possession of firearms on ships is affected by International Law governing the High Seas and Territorial Waters, the law of the Flag State the ship is registered with, and the law of the territory the particular ship decides to visit.
In broad terms if a ship holds a small number of firearms onboard, secures them correctly and declares them to the Customs on arrival into a port, then by and large there should not be any problems.
How does MAST provide the 24 hour protection?
Our philosophy is to provide a complete solution. Unlike our competitors we do not believe that delivering a lecture to you on the ISPS code or simply embarking a team of advisors is the solution. We take care of everything in relation to your security.
We can embark with or without firearms, provide you with appropriate plans and exercises, and be present in the background allowing your yacht to function as normally as possible.
We use our brains and back that up with reasonable force only as a last resort.
Our operations are supported throughout with constant communications with MAST's office in the UK who liaise with the management company and authorities as appropriate.
How will the yachts insurance be affected by Mast’s presence, particularly if firearms are embarked?
At the planning stage we advise that the Yachts hull and liability insurers are kept fully appraised of the situation. MAST’s contracts are also drafted by a leading firm of English Solicitors who have a specialist Yacht department and as a result liabilities are fairly apportioned between the owner and ourselves.
What rules do you lay down about the use of force and rules of engagement?
This is a particularly sensitive area and MAST has researched its position carefully. Ultimately everyone has the inherent right of self defence and this is a principle enshrined in common law.
MAST operates strictly in accordance with the law and has developed guidance based on the above principle. On board your yacht, the Master will always have the ultimate authority and our personnel will only act to protect lives in self defence in accordance with clearly defined rules of engagement.
How do you provide an escort vessel?
We can charter suitable ex military patrol craft to rendezvous with your yacht to provide complete protection using the same principles as the convoy system used in the Second World War. We have associate shipbrokers who can arrange this given sufficient notice.
How would MAST approach the implementation of the ISPS code onboard a yacht?
The ISPS code should be implemented onboard a yacht supported by a professional organisation like MAST to relieve the burden of responsibility from the crew. It should be regarded as a framework to be augmented by outside assistance and never written for the yacht by someone who has nothing to do with the yacht once it is compliant. The ISPS code is the start of security, not the end.
That is where MAST can step in. We can take the burden away from you.
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