What authority is assigned to customs officers regarding border vessels?

Customs officers are granted the authority of increased arrest and forfeiture concerning border vessels. This authority enables customs officials to take action against vessels that may be found in violation of laws pertaining to smuggling, customs regulations, or other illegal activities at the border. By having the power to arrest and forfeit ships, customs officers can effectively enforce regulations that protect national security and ensure compliance with trade laws. This is crucial for preventing the illegal entry of goods or individuals into a country and maintaining the integrity of customs processes.

The other choices do not align with the specific authority granted to customs officers regarding border vessels. Conditional landing permits pertain to the permission granted under specific conditions for vessels to land, which is a separate administrative function. The inspection of alien crew members pertains to the processing and verification of crew status and immigration matters, not the broader enforcement actions against vessels themselves. On the other hand, standard operational procedures refer to the established guidelines under which customs officers operate, but they do not describe the enhanced enforcement powers related to arrest and forfeiture. Thus, the authority assigned that most accurately reflects the customs officers' role in this context is indeed the power of increased arrest and forfeiture.