8.13 VBSS Flashcards
Maritime Interception Operations
Efforts to monitor, query, and board merchant vessels in international waters to enforce sanctions against other nations.
VBSS
Tactics, Techniques, and procedures for boarding a vessel.
Combat terrorism, piracy, and smuggling.
Conduct customs, safety, and other inspections
VBSS has similar connotations as the term “Maritime Interdiction Operations,” a term used in allied and multi-national operations.
Expanded MIO
Broadened Maritime Interception Operations to intercept targeted personnel or material posing an imminent threat to the U.S. Authorized by SECDEF and MAY involve multinational forces and be implemented without sanctions
Right of Approach and Visit
When International law allows a warship, military aircraft, other authorized ship or aircraft to approach any vessel in international waters to verify its nationality.
Engaged in:
Piracy
Slave trade
Unauthorized broadcasting
Without nationality
Flying another nation’s flag
Role of TAO/CICWO in VBSS
Maintain communications with and provide regular situation reports (SITREPs) to the MIO Commander
Assist in determination of Go/No-Go Criteria
Ensure gun crews and Small Caliber Action Team (SCAT) are ready to conduct warning shots, non-disabling, disabling, or destructive fire
Aid bridge in safe navigation of the ship and maintain overall surface picture
Complete CIC MIO watchbill and checklist
Role of the OOD in VBSS
Complete bridge MIO watchbill and checklist
Assist in the determination of Go/No-Go Criteria
Maneuver own ship to stay within support range of the boarding team (BT) at all times
Brief control stations on current status of the boarding operation
Role of the Liason Naval Officer (LNO) in VBSS
Participates in mission planning
Remains aboard the parent ship during the mission execution to relay information between BO, CO, and CIC
Allows the BO and ABO to concentrate on immediate situations
Own ship team
Liason Naval Offcer (LNO)
TAO
OOD
Boarding team composition
Boarding Officer (BO)
Assistant Boarding Officer (ABO)
Security Team Leader
Security Team
Sweep Team
Engineering Sweep Team
Communications Operator
RHIB Crew composition
Coxswain
Engineer
Bow Hook / SAR
Boarding Officer (BO)
OIC of the boarding team; Gather intel from Master Vessel
Assistant BO
Junior Officer or Senior Enlisted
Assists the BO
Security Team Leader (STL)
Usually the next most senior and experienced member after the ABO
Directs the security team
Security Team
“First on, last off”
2+ Personnel – experienced and mature petty officers
Contain the boarded vessel’s crew and passengers during the boarding
Sweep Team
Personnel – most experienced members of the Boarding Team (BT)
Search the vessel and report their results to the BO
Perform an initial safety inspection
Safety hazards, unaccounted personnel/weapons
Engineering Sweep Team
Ensures the vessel is sea worthy
2+ Personnel – Sounding and Security PQS Qualified
Secure the engineering spaces
Assist in the engineering-specific elements of the vessel search
Report their results to the BO/ABO
Communication Operator
Relays information to the LNO
BO’s “buddy” throughout operation
Relays information on the boarding command and control (C2) net between the BO, supporting ship, helicopter, and RHIB
May not be required for every boarding
RHIB Coxswain
Safe and efficient operation of the ship’s small boats
Must be proficient with a hand-held radio and GPS
Small arms qualified
Boat Engineer
Maintains and repairs the RHIB
Small arms qualified
May be qualified as a Bow Hook
Bow Hook
Forward line handling and lookout
Small arms qualified
Typically filled by the Boat Officer
Primary Objectives of VBSS
Determine if the vessel is in compliance with the tasking authorities’ stated reason for interception and subsequent boarding.
Secondary Objectives of VBSS
Gather information about the ship’s itinerary and future intentions
Military and merchant activity in and around the embargoed nation’s ports
Potential affiliation and/or support by a vessel for suspected terrorist organizations
Types of Boarding
Compliant Boarding
Non-compliant boarding
Opposed Boarding
Compliant Boarding
Complies with On-Scene Commander (OSC) direction
No apparent passive or active resistance measures employed
No intel indicating threat.
Non-compliant boarding
No intel indicating threat
Fails to comply with OSC direction
Active or passive measures in place to delay, impede, complicate or deter access, but measures can be overcome by mechanical means
Opposed Boarding
- Active or passive measures in place to inflict serious bodily harm or death to the BT
- Demonstrated intent to actively oppose the boarding by inflicting serious bodily harm or using deadly force against the BT
- Intel indicates a threat to inflict serious bodily harm or death
- Demonstration of hostile action, including threatening display of weapons
MIO Phases
Detection & Surveillance
Query, Approach & Stop
Board, Search, & Inspect
Debarkation
Post-Boarding (de-brief)
