What defines a known weapon on a vessel?

A known weapon on a vessel is defined as a weapon made known by crew statements or intelligence. This definition encompasses information that may not be immediately visible during a physical inspection but is provided through verbal communication from the crew or gathered through intelligence sources. In many operational contexts, especially in maritime law enforcement, intelligence and crew testimony can provide critical insights about potential weapons onboard a vessel. This can include reports of specific types of weapons, their locations, or the presence of armed individuals.

The emphasis on statements from the crew or external intelligence underlines the proactive approach to threat identification that the Coast Guard employs. By relying on this information, boarding teams can better assess risks and develop their boarding strategies, ensuring they are prepared for any potential encounters with armed threats.

While visible inspection and weapons in plain view are important considerations during a boarding, they do not fully encapsulate the definition of a "known weapon." Weapons discovered this way may not have been communicated as a threat or might not represent the totality of what could be onboard. Additionally, previous inspections may indicate the presence of weapons, but without current validation from crew statements or intelligence-led assessments, that information might be outdated or incomplete. Therefore, relying on crew statements or intelligence is essential for an accurate understanding of the vessel