Can Boarding Officers remove their survival vest and personal flotation device (PFD) once aboard a vessel?

Boarding Officers are typically trained to wear their survival vest and personal flotation device (PFD) while conducting boarding operations due to safety protocols. The correct answer suggests that once they are aboard a vessel, they have the option to remove these safety gear items.

This decision is generally based on the assessment of the situation aboard the vessel. If the environment is deemed safe and the risk of falling overboard is low, they can remove the vest and PFD. It is important for Boarding Officers to constantly evaluate the nautical conditions, the nature of the boarding, and potential safety hazards.

In situations where there is a risk of an emergency or if the boarding activity may lead to potential instability, Boarding Officers would typically keep their safety equipment on to ensure they are ready to respond to any situation. That consideration of context and conditions is vital, and while various answers propose restrictions, a straightforward option indicates that within safety protocols, there is indeed flexibility in the regulation of wearing these items once on board.