What is required of units before engaging in tactical operations according to the boarding policy?

The requirement for units to follow relevant bilateral or multilateral agreements before engaging in tactical operations is crucial because it ensures that all actions taken by the boarding team are consistent with international law and diplomatic relations. Engaging in operations without adhering to these agreements could lead to issues of legal jurisdiction, violations of sovereignty, and diplomatic conflicts.

Bilateral and multilateral agreements often outline the protocols and procedures that must be followed in various scenarios, including how to address potential threats, rights of passage, and rules of engagement. This compliance underscores the importance of cooperative security measures and collective actions that are established between nations, which can help in maximizing the effectiveness of operations while minimizing risks and misunderstandings.

In contrast, gathering intelligence on the suspect vessel, obtaining direct approval from the President, and preparing a market analysis of the cargo, while potentially beneficial, do not encompass the foundational legal and agreement-based framework necessary for conducting tactical operations. Each of those actions may play a role in operational planning but do not address the overarching legal obligation to respect established agreements that guide the conduct of military operations at sea.