Though it varies by country, generally peacetime law in the 20th and 21st centuries has not allowed merchant vessels to carry weapons. As a response to the rise

Though it varies by country, generally peacetime law in the 20th and 21st centuries has not allowed merchant vessels to carry weapons. As a response to the rise in modern piracy, however, the U.S. Government changed its rules so that it is now possible for US flagged vessels to embark a team of armed private security guards. Other countries and organisations have similarly followed suit. Curious to see how the pirates adapt... [1]http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFLDE71E1F520110215 http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFLDE71E1F520110... [2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy_in_Somalia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy_in_Somalia