Under what circumstances is the use of OC spray authorized for MA on a ship?

• A. Only to subdue non-threatening individuals.
• B. Whenever the officer feels like it, without policy.
• C. When verbal commands have failed and there is an imminent threat to life or safety, and when allowed by policy and training; after de-escalation attempts.
• D. Only when the ship captain approves after a lengthy procedure.

Answer: (C)

OC spray use follows the use-of-force continuum: you act only when there is a real risk to life or safety and after safer options have been tried. It is authorized when verbal commands have failed to gain compliance, there is an imminent threat to life or safety, and action is allowed by the ship’s policy and training. You should attempt de-escalation first, and only then use OC spray if the threat persists. On a ship, these actions are tightly controlled by established policy, not by personal discretion. This is why the correct approach is to deploy OC spray only under those conditions. It’s not appropriate to subdue someone who isn’t threatening, it isn’t a free-for-all decision, and it doesn’t require captain approval after a lengthy procedure—policy and training determine when it’s permitted.