When might an agent rely on the authority to board a vessel?

The authority to board a vessel is critical for law enforcement agents, particularly in maritime operations, and one of the specific circumstances that justifies this action is when the vessel is identified as a hovering vessel. Hovering vessels are those that appear to be intentionally stationary in a specific area, which can raise suspicions of illegal activities, such as smuggling or trafficking. This situation often requires immediate action to prevent the potential escape of evidence or the subjects involved.

When an agent identifies a vessel that is hovering, it indicates a need for further investigation. In such cases, boarding the vessel is an essential step to ensure compliance with maritime laws and to address any possible illegal activities that may be occurring. Therefore, recognizing a vessel as a hovering vessel provides that necessary legal and operational basis for an agent to exercise their authority and act decisively.