Under what conditions should bridge-to-bridge radio communications be recorded?

Recording bridge-to-bridge radio communications during all stages of pre-boarding and boarding is crucial for several reasons. This practice ensures a comprehensive documentation of all interactions that take place, which is essential for accountability, safety, and legal reasons. It provides a clear record of communications that can be referenced later, should any disputes arise or if there are questions about the actions taken during the operation. This record is especially valuable for maintaining operational integrity and facilitating effective communication among all parties involved in the boarding process. By having a detailed account of the stages from pre-boarding through to the actual boarding, it allows for a thorough review of procedures and actions taken, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations.

Other options provided do not encompass the full scope of necessary communications that could be vital throughout the entire boarding process. For instance, limiting recordings to specific requests or solely when contraband is suspected would leave gaps in the documentation that could potentially hinder investigations or accountability. Additionally, focusing only on foreign flagged vessels would overlook the importance of recordings for domestic operations as well.