[Nickel]

One shot from handgun would do and quite often suspicion that you are going to be shot on would do.
That holds especially true in pirate infested waters.

Hey, be my guest; it's your potential court-martial. "Aw, I was too fucken lazy to bring them in so I blew them out of the water. How was I supposed to know it was freighter? It's not like I had a chance to talk to them..."

[Nickel]

This apply on the territory of UK

However in such situation in UK you are answerable to the Crown (in Monarchy sense) only.

You're answerable to your immediate superiors, who are in turn answerable to theirs. Ultimately, you are answerable to the courts. Even the monarch is subject to the law. You might ask Charles I or James II for their experience in the matter.

Anyway I am pretty certain that UK in one way or another allows that.

There isn't. I just told you that.

Pirate can be hanged on order of captain of HM vessel or captain of other vessel sailing under British flag.

No, they can't. This isn't 1850.

[davep]

Nickel, relax, please.

Are you by any chance ex-military?

[Nickel]

Nickel, relax, please.

Are you by any chance ex-military?

No, just anti-guys-talking-out-of-their-hats.

[Munqi]

I just dont understand how this can be such a big problem. You would think that arming a ship heavily enough to destroy a couple of boats wouldnt be that big a deal.

[Nickel]

I just dont understand how this can be such a big problem. You would think that arming a ship heavily enough to destroy a couple of boats wouldnt be that big a deal.

Great, then if the pirates manage to take it over, they've traded up. Hey, they might even be able to take on smaller naval vessels like frigates and destroyers.