What is essential for proper evidence handling during a boarding?

Maintaining a chain of custody is crucial for proper evidence handling during a boarding because it ensures that all evidence is accounted for and that its integrity is preserved throughout the investigation process. The chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation that tracks the handling of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. By meticulously documenting who handled the evidence, how it was stored, and when it was transferred, you help prevent tampering or contamination, which is vital for ensuring that the evidence remains credible in legal proceedings.

While other factors, such as proper documentation of vessel identification and use of protective equipment like gloves, are important in the evidence collection process, they do not have the same critical impact on the legal validity of the evidence as maintaining the chain of custody. Immediate removal of evidence from the scene may compromise its context and relevance to the investigation, and relying solely on disposable gloves may not address the complete range of proper handling protocols necessary for securing and preserving evidence effectively.