Taking a Shotgun to Bahamas from US and Back

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by BlueSeas

It amazes me how a simple question about rules, laws or regulations turns so far south. OP did not ask about crime rates or gun safety. Simply about information he needed regarding enforcement.

In the US questions about guns are automatically loaded, pun only semi-intented.

Gun questions carry a lot of emotional baggage in this culture the same as asking where to get an abortion in Kansas City, what the best disease potection methods are when with a hooker and what's the current status of litigation in the Catholic Church child sex abuse scandle in Boston.

All of these questions are a straight request for information and all are garunteed to provoke an expansive emotional respose when asked in a large diverse group of people such as this forum. These issues and many other issues are going to remain contentious for generations, if not forever.

Real failure to recognize the loaded nature of this topic this displays a high level of provincialism or of naivete about this culture. Feigned ignorance demonstrates the use of a rhetorical device or an attempt to minimise the issue.

[amytom]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

In most countries personal protection is the function and responsibility of the police forces.

Dave

"We're from the government and we're here to help" Scary thought especially when they arrive 10 minutes after the crime is over

Back to boating and guns though. Practice shooting from your boat a few times (in open water well clear of any other traffic). You may learn that it's not as easy as Hollywood makes it look. Even shooting "killer tomatoes" with a .50 cal off a destroyer took quite a bit of practice. With this in mind the long distance weapons aren't ideal. The shotgun backed up with a .45 are much better suited. Once you leave Miami put them away in the silicone wraps until you return.

[Mule]

Originally Posted by amytom

"We're from the government and we're here to help" Scary thought especially when they arrive 10 minutes after the crime is over

Back to boating and guns though. Practice shooting from your boat a few times (in open water well clear of any other traffic). You may learn that it's not as easy as Hollywood makes it look. Even shooting "killer tomatoes" with a .50 cal off a destroyer took quite a bit of practice. With this in mind the long distance weapons aren't ideal. The shotgun backed up with a .45 are much better suited. Once you leave Miami put them away in the silicone wraps until you return.

==============================================

Yep, I like the way u think. I do a Mossberg unplugged with a mix of 2/0, 0/0 and 2 rifled slugs along with a Springfield 45, multiple clips all with ball ammo..

Take the emotion out of it and acknowledge that a firearm is a tool just as any other tool. Police are crime historians that occasionally catch people that have done crimes and sometime prevent crimes and rarely stop crimes in progress. Thereby is apparent that the responsibility for your safety is yours. Few cruise without tools on board.

If guns kill people then spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat.

BTW, the government is here to help. The people I have met, even IRS agents, certainly police and so forth have the best of intentions and do the best they can within their area of responsibility. I feel lucky that we have such a good government. Sensible regulations and laws are all that separate us from being like Somalia. Lax and/or ineffective regulations underfunded enforcement of regulations and laws give us bank meltdowns, criminal manipulation of our markets ($4 gas) and oil slicks in the gulf.

[Tellie]

I don't care much for the gun or anchoring threads as well, so I just exercise my freedom and don't read them much. I never understood the urge others have to post derogatory comments on why they don't like them when they can exercise the same freedom.
As far as the OPs question. I have never ever had a problem in the Bahamas with the authorities about carrying a shotgun onboard. They are usually more concerned about spear guns. I agree, the Bahamas are a pretty safe place compared to south Florida. In south Florida thousands of people legally carry guns and I feel no threat from them at all, ever. The threat from an armed cruising boat even less. The illegal gun, carried used, stolen etc. is a different story for a different forum. My firm belief is that most sailors and cruisers I've known over the years are not hot heads, illegal gangbangers, crack heads, drug dealers, etc. If you've cruised for any length of time you know the amount of drinking that goes on (at anchor of course) in the cruising community. The term Sun downer is darn near considered reverent among cruisers. Yet I never hear of cruisers after a few too many pulling out their shotguns and start shooting holes in their boats, accidentally blowing off their toes and killing each other then finding target practice on the local boat boys. It just doesn't happen. If like me you prefer to stay away from the Nippers and the social anchorages and prefer the out of the way places where you are all alone then I could care less if you have M79s and quad fifties. If that adds to your sense of security it's none of mine or anybody else business. So to the OP, take your shotgun, report it upon entering, keep it stored as required and chances are better than very very good you'll have no issues with either the authorities or the bad guys.

For the rest, go ahead an blast away at me. I won't be offended. I like ya'll any way.

[amytom]

BTW

The only time I was robbed in the Bahamas was by the immigration officer at NAS. I mean over $200.00 for a temp work permit so I could spend 2 hours fixing one of the airport luggage scanners?
And yes she (or rather the young man behind her) was armed.

[CruiserBrad]

The Bahamains want you to declare the firearm and the number of rounds when you enter the country. You are supposed to secure the firearm in a locker. The number of rounds should be the same when you leave, in case you are boarded, so no target practice at floating objects! That's about it.

The only problem with a rifle, shotgun or handgun on a boat is RUST. Keep your guns well lubricated. I would say at least weekly.

As far as entering the US from the Bahamas, I was never asked or boarded so I can't say, but maybe you should bring a copy of the reciept from the gun store where you bought the gun, just in case.

Brad

[johnmcntsh]

Oh my god, what a nightmare this thread is

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by amytom

BTW

The only time I was robbed in the Bahamas was by the immigration officer at NAS. I mean over $200.00 for a temp work permit so I could spend 2 hours fixing one of the airport luggage scanners?
And yes she (or rather the young man behind her) was armed.

You can't work there without permission so I don't think it was robbery. A guy I know building a house on one of the Exuma cays was having a hard time finishing it due to a shortage skilled labour. His brother flew in to give him a hand. The authorities in Nassau saw his toolbox when he landed and put him on the next plane out.

[Event_Horizon]

Originally Posted by Mule

If guns kill people then spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat.

If spoons worked like guns and I could make you instantly gain 200 lbs by just pointing it at you...you'd be scared of that spoon too.

Personally, I really enjoy guns. What I do mind about them is that they make the job of killing me very simple and straightforward. In fact, an irresponsible gun owner might even be able to kill me without even trying to!

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by maytrix

Personally, a shotgun is the last weapon I'd choose. I'd rather have something that might be a little more effective from a distance for protection. Having both wouldn't hurt for all possible situations.

In reality the shotgun is probably the best weapon to take. With slugs, you can shoot a hole though the hull of the boat trying to forcibly board you without having to take another life. If you shoot a slug at close rang through the side of the hull just at or barely below the waterline from a higher point, you can likely put a hole through the side and another through the bottom of the hull when the slug exits. Another slug into the motor and they will be be both sinking and not giving chase. They will then be more preoccupied trying to swim than board you. Rifles shoot bullets very far and you risk it travelling and hitting neighbors or innocent people on shore. Slugs don't travel nearly as far and reduce chances for accidentally inguring or killing innocent folks nearby.

In closed spaces shot will spray and be effective against multiple intruders. In both cases there is no need for distance. You will have barely any chance of accuracy on a boat bobbing on the water and the further the distance the higher probability of a miss. Furthermore, over-reacting and shooting at someone at a distance doesn't allow you to properly acertain the intent of the other person. For all you know the approaching skiff is coming by to ask for assistance.

Waiting until intent is determined and confirmed increases probability that any unfortunate actions taken are more easily justified. Proximity ensures accuracy. In all cases, I'm not in the business of hurting or killing anyone. I'm interested in deterance and protection.

I don't happen to carry firearms on my boat, but i do own them, and use them repsonsibly. And consider possible worst case scenarios and plan contigencies accordingly.

[Blue Stocking]

Remove the shot,and replace it with food coloring crystals and rock salt. You don't kill'em, and they stand out in a line-up.

[Patient]

Keeping on topic.
Out of curiosity, when the term "Locker" is used, does that mean using a metal locker with a keylock or just leaning it back in a closet somewhere.
Does anyone with practical experience that sails the Caribbean have any advice on what makes the officials happy?

Would I be hassled if I had just a plastic container?

[capngeo]

It need not be limited to a shottie..... a revolver is similarly allowed:

Nothing in this Part of this Act shall be deemed to relate to the possession of a revolver by a person, other than a resident of The Bahamas, belonging to or on board of any foreign vessel arriving at any port therein, during the period of three months following the arrival of such vessel at her first port of call on any visit to The Bahamas, provided that-

Temporary exemption of certain persons aboard foreign vessels.

(a)no such person brings the revolver on shore;
(b)no such person uses the revolver while in the territorial waters of The Bahamas; and
(c)such person makes, in the prescribed form, a declaration of his possession of any such revolver to a proper officer of customs or an Out Island Commissioner at the first port of call in The Bahamas within forty-eight hours of the arrival of the vessel.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Shrew

In closed spaces shot will spray and be effective against multiple intruders.

.

Just so you know, in a "boat sized space" there will be little to no "spray" that makes a difference.

I suggest you take a shot at paper to see what your gun does.

[amytom]

Originally Posted by Vasco

You can't work there without permission so I don't think it was robbery. A guy I know building a house on one of the Exuma cays was having a hard time finishing it due to a shortage skilled labour. His brother flew in to give him a hand. The authorities in Nassau saw his toolbox when he landed and put him on the next plane out.

The contract is with the Bahamian Government and the rules change everytime I show up. This particular time I was told to make a payment in US cash and no receipt would be given. The other option was to be sent home. In my line of work having "deported" stamped in my passport or on my immigration record would be a very bad thing.
It is what it is and it's their country they can do with it what they please.