In executing their duties, how does a cover officer communicate with other boarding team members?

The correct approach for a cover officer to communicate with other boarding team members is through routine radio communications. This method is established as the most effective means of maintaining clear and immediate contact in the field, especially in dynamic environments where quick decision-making is crucial. Radio communications enable team members to share real-time information, coordinate their actions, and maintain situational awareness, which is essential during boarding operations.

While other communication methods, such as physical signals, written messages, or signaling lights, can play supplementary roles in specific contexts, they do not provide the immediacy and clarity that radio communications do. Physical signals may not be easily visible in adverse weather or from distances, written messages can take time to read and respond to, and signaling lights are limited by visibility and may not convey complex information quickly enough. Thus, using routine radio communications ensures that all team members are well-informed and can respond effectively to unfolding situations.