USCG Boarding Team Member Flashcards

14 USC 89 A

• Grants the USCG authority to conduct inquiries, inspections, searches, arrests on the high seas and U.S. jurisdiction waters.
• Aims at preventing, detecting, and suppressing violations of U.S. laws.

Scope of Responsibilities for Boarding Team Members

• Reflect positively on the Coast Guard's image.
• Educate the public on boating safety and legal requirements.
• Assist Boarding Officers during operations.

Jurisdiction for U.S. Vessels

• U.S. vessels can be boarded anywhere except exclusive state waters and foreign territorial seas without a Statement of No Objection.

Jurisdiction for Foreign Vessels

• Typically exempt from U.S. jurisdiction under circumstances like innocent passage, Force Majeure claims, or government-owned vessels.

Statement of No Objection (SNO)

• A requirement to enter foreign territorial seas or board foreign vessels outside U.S. jurisdiction.

Levels of Force

• Ranges from Officer Presence to Deadly Force, with escalating levels of response measured by the situation's threat.

Officer Presence Procedure

• Involves clear, authoritative verbal communication and positive body language.
• Techniques like LEAPS (Listen, Empathize, Ask questions, Paraphrase, Summarize) enhance officer presence.

Control Techniques

• Low-risk methods minimizing the chance of causing injury that are always accompanied by verbal commands.
• Include proper restraint device use and pain compliance techniques.

Aggressive Response Techniques

• Actions likely to cause injury or irritation, including upper and lower body strikes, takedowns, and the use of chemical irritants.

O.C. Pepper Spray Usage

• Target primarily the subject's eyes with two short bursts; effective range is 10-12 feet.
• Ensure awareness of wind direction and surrounding parties during use.

Detention Without Arrest

• Authorized to ensure safety when faced with confrontational behavior or interference with operations.

Handcuffing Techniques

• Employ various positions (standing, kneeling, prone, offside) based on situations and subject's behavior.

Search Incident to Arrest

• Focus on finding weapons and evidence; conducted in a structured manner to ensure thoroughness.

Types of Subjects

• Classified according to their compliance levels: Passive Compliant, Passive Resistor, Active Resistor, and Active Aggressor.

Safety Protocols in Confined Spaces

• Only qualified personnel can enter due to potential hazardous material or oxygen depletion risks.

Inspection Types

• Basic Initial Safety Inspection: Protective sweep before detailed inspection, not for evidence gathering.
• Extended Initial Safety Inspection: Conducted based on reasonable suspicion of hazards.

Emergency Protocols in Hostage Situations

• DOs include stalling for time and maintaining communications; DONTs include antagonizing captors or using unnecessary force.

Searching Techniques

• Frisk searches are based on reasonable suspicion of weapon possession; include immediate surrounding areas.

Post-Arrest Responsibilities

• Involves health, safety, and comfort of the detained subject until fully processed.

Use of Force Policy

• Mandates only necessary force and demands no excessive measures; emphasizes responsible decision-making based on situational assessment.