I used to own freighters. Several, traded worldwide but mostly Western Hemisphere and North Atlantic-Med
Nearly all my captains had pistols or a pump shotgun or lever action rifle to ward off mutiny or a crazy crewman etc.
Typically ship’s agrent would arrange any considerations for the weapon(s) in sync with customs particular to that area.
Some would quarantine, some did nothing.
No arsenal though capable of dealing with these pirates to be sure.
Pacific coast of Colombia was our worst “pirate” spot ...that and Guyana when anchored outside the bar. One had to be vigilent.
One of my captains had been Somoza’s fleet captian...one tough somebeach...he tossed a guy leaving the canal zone once with only his papers, some cash and a life preserver about a mile offshore to save launch fees. ABS had pulled a knife on him.
Hugo Zepeda....tuff mofo
When he told me...I said you did (”what?)...he just grinned.
Yeah, you can have something to kill mice or deal with a nutcase.
I know. When sailing I kept a small arsenal, but its taking a chance if you get searched.