“the ships aren’t armed because of insurance reasons.”
I thought international law forbids arming of ships, not to mention local laws as they pull into ports forbid weapons.
That may be true, but what about those “sound guns” or water cannons?
Arms aboard ships on the high seas are governed by the nations whose flags they fly. American ships may carry any weapon it is permissible to own at home, up to and including registered NFA weapons.
Other countries’ national laws pertain in territorial waters, usually within 3 miles of shore. In many cases the harbor master or customs office will impound weapons while a boat is in port. But you had better be certain and get written permission in advance.
If i were sailing past Somalia i would buy a couple of cheap pump shotguns and chuck them overboard if I had to put in at any foreign port where they were illegal.