For those who want to arm merchant ships,

[Arctic Dave]

here is something to think about. Read what it has to say about piracy.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/oil-tanker.htm

It would seem there are easier ways of avoiding being hijacked then arming everyone and playing OK Corral.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. I used to insure these monsters...

and other large ships and there's something else no one likes to talk about.

The captain often has a safe full of cash for port expenses, bribes, and whatever else it may be needed for, and often keeps a gun under his pillow as protection from the crew, which could have come from parts unknown and often doesn't speak his language. No one wants to arm the crew.

Now, ULCC's are scary enough, but can you imagine what happens when a rocket hits an LNG tanker? Giving pirates a reason to shoot first and ask questions later is not a good idea.