Policies regarding firearms on board

[rk]

What would be the policy about bringing a firearm on board a vessel. Obviously it wouldn't be looked on favorably if someone walked on to say a Spirit Class vessel with a shotgun slung over their shoulder especially during peak tourist season.

[Canucks]

www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/dangerous_cargo.html

Scroll Down to the firearms section near the bottom.

[Nick]

The following is copied from the BCF website:

Ammunition: Small quantities of cartridges for small arms, rifles and shotguns are permitted on our ferries, provided they are securely packaged and are carried separately from the weapon. (See also "Firearms".)


Firearms: Firearms may be transported under the following conditions:

Firearms must be transported in compliance with Canadian Firearms Regulations. Firearms transported in vehicles must be unloaded, must not be visible from outside the vehicle and the vehicle must be locked at all times when unattended.

Foot passengers may transport firearms on board BC Ferries vessels provided the firearm is contained in an appropriate case or container and remains in the immediate care, custody and control of the owner, and is otherwise transported in compliance with the law. Foot passengers travelling on BC Ferries' northern routes between Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, mid-Coast ports and the Queen Charlotte Islands must report to the ship's officer once on board and are responsible for securing the firearm in a locker designated by the ship's officer. Passengers are not otherwise permitted to have firearms in their possession on board northern vessels.

www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/dangerous_cargo.html

**almost simultaneous posts**

[rk]

Thanks for the replies,

I was wondering about this since there was recently an incident in Vancouver where an individual was taken down by gun point because a neighbor saw him with a gun outside his house. It was being handled in a completely legal manner yet there was an exaggerated response by the police.

The only thing the Canada Firearms Act references is that to transport a non-restricted (shotgun or hunting rifle) the gun must simply be unloaded...not in a case, not made inoperable, no trigger lock on it.

Does BC Ferry company policy supercede federal regulations?


Not trying to be a smart-ass but am just curious as there was lengthy discussion on a hunting related forum about the above mentioned situation.

[Canucks]

That is an interesting point rk. I don't know what policy supercedes but I would think that it would be Federal regulations because otherwise there would be too many companies making rules of their own. (Why don't you go try it out ;D) just kidding!, although you would find out the answer.

[rk]

You would think that if the passengers are allowed to carry guns on board perhaps it would be a good idea for some of the crew to have access to guns.

[BreannaF]

Jul 18, 2008 20:36:36 GMT -8 @rk said:

The only thing the Canada Firearms Act references is that to transport a non-restricted (shotgun or hunting rifle) the gun must simply be unloaded...not in a case, not made inoperable, no trigger lock on it.

Does BC Ferry company policy supercede federal regulations?

Not trying to be a smart-ass but am just curious as there was lengthy discussion on a hunting related forum about the above mentioned situation.

I would think that BCF could require that firearms be secured. You would certainly be required to keep a firearm in cargo when flying on an airplane. The rules as stated above seem to be trying to make sure that the weapons are not left unattended, for example, in an unlocked car or out where a person could grab it from its owner.

In the case of the Northern Routes, empirical evidence is that passengers are pretty trusting about leaving their bags out where someone could get into them. It would seem safer for passengers and crew in that case to insist that weapons are safely stored for the duration of these (usually) much longer trips.

[Variable Pitch]

Although I haven't owned a handgun for a year or so, I still maintain my Possession-Acquisition Licence. These are more bothersome to move around. They must be in a locked case (a tacklebox simply won't do), stored separate from the ammo. They also MUST have a trigger guard in place and if the vehicle has a trunk, it must be stored there. On top of that, the owner must obtain an ATT (authorization to transport) permit from the Canadian Firearms Centre in Miramichi prior to moving the handgun and the most direct route between A and B must be taken. Gross deviation and getting caught (pulled over, accident) can result in permanent confiscation of the firearm. There is a loophole, but it is insignificant and does not apply here (when going to and from gun ranges).

I'm not sure about a walk on and a handgun, as it didn't apply to me, nor would it. However, I for one would likely contact the chief steward and see about having it locked for the trip across the pond, as it can never leave your possession.

[kerryssi]

BCFS has the right to refuse passage to anyone they deem unsuitable.
I think packing a gun in the open would make you unsuitable.