The original post was a trap. It was presented as a hypothetical question. To which many relevant and correct answer were provided. Only later were we presented with the facts of a case of a boat stopped 300 miles off of Nova Scotia. We know very little about the facts that might triggered the boarding. And this was reported by a friend of a friend.
Was the boat flying its national ensign? If not, it presumed to be a stateless boat.
Was the boat properly identified with name and hailing port or flag country? If not, it could be presumed to be a stateless boat.
Did the hull identifications match the ensign? It could be a stolen boat.
What was the boat doing? Was there evidence of it being in distress? Was there something that might indicate it was patently unsafe vessel?
Was there a report of a similar boat having been stolen?
There are just a few issues off the top of my head that might trigger a CG Boarding in international waters and I believe all or most of these fall under acceptable reasons under international law for a boarding. Those who spend much time thinking about maritime law might offer additional scenarios.
If someone is going to sail in international waters, the best practice would be fly the correct ensign and properly identify the boat with name and hailing port. That eliminates a couple of reasons to board the vessel.
Was the boat flying its national ensign? If not, it presumed to be a stateless boat.
Was the boat properly identified with name and hailing port or flag country? If not, it could be presumed to be a stateless boat.
Did the hull identifications match the ensign? It could be a stolen boat.
What was the boat doing? Was there evidence of it being in distress? Was there something that might indicate it was patently unsafe vessel?
Was there a report of a similar boat having been stolen?
There are just a few issues off the top of my head that might trigger a CG Boarding in international waters and I believe all or most of these fall under acceptable reasons under international law for a boarding. Those who spend much time thinking about maritime law might offer additional scenarios.
If someone is going to sail in international waters, the best practice would be fly the correct ensign and properly identify the boat with name and hailing port. That eliminates a couple of reasons to board the vessel.
