What action can be taken by the master of a foreign vessel during a consensual boarding?

The master of a foreign vessel during a consensual boarding has the authority to revoke permission for the boarding at any time. This means that although the master initially consented to the boarding and inspection of the vessel, they retain the right to withdraw that consent during the process if they feel it is necessary. This right is rooted in international maritime law, which acknowledges the sovereignty of a vessel’s flag state.

In scenarios where the master believes that the boarding is being conducted improperly or beyond the initially agreed-upon scope, they can express their wish to end the boarding. It is a fundamental principle of maritime law that consent must be continuous and can be retracted. Therefore, understanding the implications of consent during a boarding is crucial for both the vessel's compliance with international regulations and the officers conducting the inspection.

Other options, while they may seem plausible in certain contexts, do not align with the legal framework governing consensual boardings. For instance, an immediate refusal of all inspections would not be feasible if the boarding was consensual. Reporting to local authorities might be a step taken afterwards, but it does not directly pertain to the actions the master can take during the boarding. Requesting additional officers to be present could complicate the boarding process, rather than