1|Page
USCG BTM Study Guide | Comprehensive
Q&A For Certification Success 2026
Deadly force triangle - correct-answer -Weapon, opportunity, action of subject
Two prong test for opportunity - correct-answer -Unrestricted access and
maximum effective range
Coast Guard policy concerning warning shots - correct-answer -Not authorized
with PDW, allowed with approval in certain situations
Tactical questions - correct-answer -Without reaching for or grabbing, do you have
any weapons on board? Have you been boarded by the Coast Guard this year?
Where are you going? Did you catch anything today?
Custodial situation - correct-answer -Depends on whether a reasonable innocent
person in the subject's position would feel a restraint on his or her freedom of
movement to such an extent that it approaches formal arrest. Handcuffing to
ensure the safety of the boarding team or to transport a subject to another
agency
, 2|Page
Basic initial safety sweep - correct-answer -To identify any safety hazards is to
ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel being boarded
Scope of a BISS - correct-answer -Exterior decks, common spaces, bilge areas,
Engineering spaces, cargo or fish holds, other areas of safety concern
Private space - correct-answer -A reasonable and prudent person would have a
reasonable expectation of privacy. Can enter upon permission, safety concern, or
probable cause
Reasonable suspicion - correct-answer -Belief by a reasonable and prudent person
based on articulable facts, that something has happened
Probable cause - correct-answer -The level of suspicion that would cause a
reasonable and prudent person, given the overall circumstances, to believe a
crime has been or is being committed
USCG BTM Study Guide | Comprehensive
Q&A For Certification Success 2026
Deadly force triangle - correct-answer -Weapon, opportunity, action of subject
Two prong test for opportunity - correct-answer -Unrestricted access and
maximum effective range
Coast Guard policy concerning warning shots - correct-answer -Not authorized
with PDW, allowed with approval in certain situations
Tactical questions - correct-answer -Without reaching for or grabbing, do you have
any weapons on board? Have you been boarded by the Coast Guard this year?
Where are you going? Did you catch anything today?
Custodial situation - correct-answer -Depends on whether a reasonable innocent
person in the subject's position would feel a restraint on his or her freedom of
movement to such an extent that it approaches formal arrest. Handcuffing to
ensure the safety of the boarding team or to transport a subject to another
agency
, 2|Page
Basic initial safety sweep - correct-answer -To identify any safety hazards is to
ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel being boarded
Scope of a BISS - correct-answer -Exterior decks, common spaces, bilge areas,
Engineering spaces, cargo or fish holds, other areas of safety concern
Private space - correct-answer -A reasonable and prudent person would have a
reasonable expectation of privacy. Can enter upon permission, safety concern, or
probable cause
Reasonable suspicion - correct-answer -Belief by a reasonable and prudent person
based on articulable facts, that something has happened
Probable cause - correct-answer -The level of suspicion that would cause a
reasonable and prudent person, given the overall circumstances, to believe a
crime has been or is being committed
