USCG Boarding Procedures

Overview

This study guide summarizes key concepts and procedures from the USCG Boarding Team Member (BTM) flashcards, covering authority, jurisdiction, use of force, subject types, tactical procedures, and evidence handling relevant to U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement.

Authority, Jurisdiction, and Law

• Authority is defined as the government's legal power to act.
• Jurisdiction is the government's right to exercise authority over people, vessels, and places.
• The jurisdiction triangle consists of location, vessel/flag, and substantive law.
• Substantive law prohibits or requires specific actions.
• According to 14 USC 89, the Coast Guard enforces federal laws on U.S. waters and high seas.

Use of Force and Self Defense

• The use of force policy limits force to what is reasonably necessary; excessive force is prohibited.
• Types of self-defense: individual, unit, and national.
• The use of force continuum includes officer presence, verbal commands, control and aggressive response techniques, intermediate weapons, and deadly force.
• Officer presence is established through uniform, attitude, and equipment.
• Deadly force is force likely to cause death or serious injury.

Types of Subjects and Tactical Procedures

• Subject types: passive compliant, passive resistor, active resistor, active aggressor.
• LEAPS process: listen, empathize, ask, paraphrase, summarize.
• Drawing a weapon is permitted when deadly force is likely required.
• Pressure point and strike techniques are categorized for upper and lower body responses.

Boarding, Search, and Evidence Handling

• Basic initial safety sweep (BISS) identifies hazards and checks seaworthiness.
• Reasonable suspicion and probable cause are defined for searches and seizures.
• The plain view doctrine allows seizure of evidence if lawfully present.
• Strip and cavity searches require reasonable suspicion and must be conducted by qualified personnel.
• Chain of custody processes secure evidence for prosecution.

Legal Protections and Policies

• The 4th Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
• The 5th Amendment protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.
• Entering confined spaces requires certification of safety by a qualified person.
• The Coast Guard cannot grant asylum but must report requests to command.

Special Situations and Equipment

• Warning shots are generally prohibited, except with specific approval.
• OC pepper spray specifications and use are provided, including the 4 S's (shake, shout, spray, shuffle).
• Radiation exposure guidelines specify maximum safe levels and the S.M.A.C. protocol (stop, move away, alert, close off).
• Hostage actions are authorized only if imminent harm is unavoidable and without endangering personnel.

Interview and Detention Techniques

• Tactical questions assess safety during boarding.
• Reactionary gap maintains officer safety.
• Train tracks, triangulation, and fatal funnel concepts manage team positions.
• Ideal handcuffing and interview positions are defined.

Evidence and Documentation

• Written statements must include who, what, where, when, how, and why.
• Property seizure and chain of custody require official procedures, tags, and documentation.

Recommendations / Advice

• Always assess safety before entering a space or conducting a search.
• Maintain documentation and follow evidence handling protocols strictly.
• Use force and weapons only within established legal and policy boundaries.