Well, the problem is many ports do not allow an armed ship to dock - so no weapons may be carried.... so how about this for a business opportunity: Stage some "Weapons rental ships" on each side of that straight... kinda like a Video rental place, but with bullets. Then, ships can take weapons out on loan after they leave the dock, and then return them at another ship before they enter the port. Then, they can defend themselves against the Pirates, RIAA, /and/ Jack Thompson if needed. Sounds like the bases covered to me.

stop using seal blubber for the dielectric!

Well, considering the equipment was owned by the city and not by him, it would seem that this could be considered theft.