Which equipment is required for radiation detection during boarding operations?

During boarding operations, personal radiation detectors (PRDs) are the essential equipment for radiation detection. PRDs are specifically designed to be portable, allowing boarding officers to assess radiation levels while moving and interacting with individuals aboard a vessel. They provide immediate feedback, alerting users to the presence of radioactive materials, and are crucial for ensuring the safety of boarding personnel and inspecting cargo.

The reason personal radiation detectors are preferred is due to their user-friendly design and functionality that suit the dynamic environment of boarding operations. They can detect a range of radiation types, including gamma and beta radiation, making them effective tools for monitoring radiation levels in various scenarios on a ship.

In contrast, options like Geiger counters, while effective for measuring radiation, might not be as practical in a fast-paced boarding operation due to their bulkiness or limitations in immediate feedback. Infrared cameras and thermal imaging devices are not designed for radiation detection; rather, they are used for identifying heat signatures and thermal characteristics, which do not pertain to the detection of radioactive materials. Thus, personal radiation detectors stand out as the most suitable equipment for ensuring safety during boarding operations regarding radiation exposure.