Which action is considered irreversible in the context of stopping an NCV?

In the context of stopping a Non-Compliant Vessel (NCV), the action deemed irreversible is to disable the vessel. This involves taking actions that significantly impair or completely prevent the vessel's ability to operate, which may include damaging its engines or other critical systems. Once a vessel is disabled, it cannot resume normal operation without significant repairs, making that action final and irreversible.

Disabling a vessel is typically a last resort that is employed when other methods, like command presence or warning, have failed to achieve compliance. It's important for tactical boat crews to understand that such an action carries serious implications and is typically only undertaken under specific circumstances where imminent threats or other critical factors justify it.

In contrast, actions such as command presence, warning, and disruption are generally viewed as more flexible tactics that aim to stop a vessel's operations while still leaving the possibility for compliance or recovery. These actions do not permanently alter the vessel's capability to operate, hence they are seen as reversible measures.