Questioning Individuals during Boardings

Question 1

Obtaining information from persons onboard a vessel may be required for four reasons:

Answer 1

1. By Law
2. By regulation
3. For record keeping or data compilation
4. for law enforcement

Question 2

If you have someone restrained and in custody, what kinds of questions are you allowed to ask them?

Answer 2

Only administrative questions.

Question 3

What is tactical questioning?

Answer 3

Using open ended questions that do not directly ask someone to incriminate themselves or crew.

Question 4

Give an example of tactical questioning:

Answer 4

“Has anyone on board had anything to drink today?” as opposed to “Have you been consuming alcohol while operating a motor vessel”?

Question 5

If someone spontaneously confesses to you, is that the same as asking them incriminating questions?

Answer 5

No, if someone spontaneously confesses you should take notes of their confession, retain the person, and call the BO