The Founders on how to Handle Suspicious Vessels at Sea

By: |Published on: Dec 4, 2025|Categories: Founding Principles|

The founders’ approach to dealing with suspected “narco-terrorist” boats in international waters – only applicable during a state of war. (applying their view of Vattel’s Law of Nations)
 
1. THE SPOT
You spot a vessel in international waters with no flag visible. Legally, it is “silent.” It has no voice and no protection until it declares itself associated with a country.
 
2. THE HAIL
You fire a warning shot and demand they show their colors. You must give them a chance to raise their flag – declare a sovereign before taking action.
 
3. THE SUSPICION
If they do raise a flag now, it still remains suspicious because they were potentially hiding it. A flag is just cloth – pirates use false flags constantly.
 
4. THE APPROACH
You fire a second warning and announce you are approaching to board and verify their papers. The papers – not the flag – are the proof of jurisdiction.
 
5. THE JUDGMENT
If they resist at any moment – refusing approach, evasive maneuvers, or firing – you are free to disable or destroy them.
 
6. THE DISCOVERY If they let you board but have no papers – and are carrying contraband illegal under your laws, they confirm they belong to no sovereign. You may seize it, condemn it, or destroy it, and no nation has standing to object.
 
THE VERDICT
By refusing to prove jurisdiction, they become “stateless” (the 18th-century equivalent of “enemy of mankind”). They have no rights, no protection, and no standing to complain if they are sunk.
 
However, if they do have valid papers from any country, attacking that vessel in any way is an act of war against that country.

Tags: International Waters, Law of Nations, Narco Terrorists, Vattel

Michael Boldin
Latest posts by Michael Boldin (see all)
donate
donate crypto