What measures may a boarding officer take when encountering uncooperative crew members?

When encountering uncooperative crew members, the appropriate measure for a boarding officer is to document the encounter and escalate as necessary while ensuring safety and legality. This approach is essential because it emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of everyone involved during the boarding process.

By documenting the encounter, the boarding officer creates a clear record of the interaction, which may be crucial for any subsequent actions or decisions made by the Coast Guard or other authorities. Additionally, escalating the situation as necessary allows the officer to involve additional resources or personnel if the situation appears to be unsafe or if compliance from the crew remains an issue. This procedure underscores the imperative of adhering to legal standards and regulations while managing unexpected scenarios effectively.

Prioritizing these actions helps prevent any escalation of conflict and ensures that the officer remains within legal parameters. Tactics like immediate detention may lead to unanticipated consequences and could infringe upon the rights of individuals involved without sufficient cause or due process. Similarly, ignoring uncooperative behavior or only addressing the captain may not sufficiently resolve the issue and could compromise safety or the effectiveness of the boarding operation.