<p>the government ships (including MSC) have weapons lockers on board and carry 9mm pistols, M-14 rifles and shotguns. they also have a locker with body armor and kevlar vests. the entire crew (minus cadets) are small arms trained and the ship will conduct drills to repel boarders and attackers. if the (government or MSC) ship is transiting a dangerous area or chokepoint (suez canal) they will take on a navy security detachment who bring with the .50 caliber machine guns, M-60 machine guns and grenade launchers. this is only for government and msc vessels only. most merchant ships carry ZERO weapons.</p>