Under 14 USC 2, what is the Coast Guard's enforcement role?

Under 14 USC 2, what is the Coast Guard's enforcement role?

• A. To enforce only domestic laws within the territorial waters
• B. The Coast Guard shall enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable federal laws on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States
• C. To supervise marine commerce exclusively
• D. To enforce state laws exclusively

Answer: (B)

The enforcement role described in this statute is broad federal maritime enforcement authority across all waters the United States has jurisdiction over, including the high seas. The text makes clear that the Coast Guard shall enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable federal laws on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This means they’re not limited to domestic or territorial waters, nor restricted to marine commerce; they can enforce a wide range of federal laws in those maritime areas and assist other agencies as needed. It also explains why state laws and exclusive focus on commerce don’t capture the scope of the Coast Guard’s mandate under this provision.

The enforcement role described in this statute is broad federal maritime enforcement authority across all waters the United States has jurisdiction over, including the high seas. The text makes clear that the Coast Guard shall enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable federal laws on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This means they’re not limited to domestic or territorial waters, nor restricted to marine commerce; they can enforce a wide range of federal laws in those maritime areas and assist other agencies as needed. It also explains why state laws and exclusive focus on commerce don’t capture the scope of the Coast Guard’s mandate under this provision.