What is necessary for a law enforcement officer to have lawful presence on a vessel?

For a law enforcement officer to have lawful presence on a vessel, it is essential to have appropriate authority or probable cause regarding safety concerns. This means that officers must have a legitimate reason grounded in law or sufficient grounds to believe that a situation poses a risk to safety. This could relate to safety regulations, potential criminal activity, or public health issues.

In a maritime context, law enforcement officers often have broader duties and responsibilities, and their authority typically allows them to perform checks and interventions to ensure compliance with laws and safety regulations. Additionally, the requirement of probable cause supports the necessary legal standard that ensures officers can act appropriately without infringing on individuals' rights.

Other choices, such as owner’s permission, while potentially relevant, cannot always be relied upon in situations where safety is a concern or potential violations are observed. Active search and seizure orders are not universally required for officers to board a vessel for safety checks or to assess a situation if probable cause exists.