What is required for using deadly force in vessel on vessel situations?

In vessel on vessel situations, the use of deadly force is permissible when there is a credible threat to safety. This means that if the crew or passengers of a vessel face an imminent and serious danger that could result in severe harm or loss of life, the use of deadly force may be justified to protect innocent individuals. The emphasis is on the immediacy and credibility of the threat, underscoring the need for the defensive action to be a response to an actual danger rather than a preemptive measure.

This requirement aligns with international laws and rules of engagement that prioritize the preservation of life and safety, dictating that any decision to resort to lethal force must be based on the reality of an existential threat rather than assumptions or peripheral concerns. Therefore, a credible threat to safety is the primary criterion that justifies the use of deadly force in these high-stakes and potentially life-threatening encounters on the water.