Members are asked to review internal procedures and ensure CSOs and SSOs are familiar with the rules and regulations for weapons that may be carried on vessels in any particular jurisdiction that a vessel may call at. Weapons on board ships Ships may, at times, have weapons on board for a variety of reasons. In recent times it has been the increased usage of armed security guards, particularly when transiting the Gulf of Aden, which sees vessels carrying fire arms for a certain period of their voyage. It should not come as any surprise that nation states have laws and regulations with respect to the ownership and / or possession of weapons (including, but not limited to, firearms) and that these can vary significantly between jurisdictions. Arriving in the jurisdiction / waters of a nation state means that its laws will apply and vessels should be aware of the specific rules wherever they may go. Failing to observe such rules can lead to delays, detentions, fines, confiscation and even the risk of imprisonment for violating national laws. A recent re-issuing of the regulations in Egypt serve as a useful reminder to ensure that both Company Security Officers (CSOs) as well as Ship Security Officers (SSOs) continuously review arrangements and regulations, so that vessels are and remain in full compliance of local laws for all relevant periods of time. Egyptian regulations The Association has received a recent update from its correspondents in Egypt with details of an existing circular from the Maritime Transport Sector (via the Port Said Shipping Chamber), which explains the regulations with respect to the storage of weapons while transiting the Suez Canal. A copy of the circular and a free translation are reproduced alongside this advisory. Details of the weapons transfer procedure, including a free translation, can be found in the further document republished alongside this advisory. Furthermore, our correspondents' agency department provides the following advice to