Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Flashcards

Under what authority does the U.S. Coast Guard conduct boardings of vessels on the high seas and in U.S. waters?

Answer: 14 U.S.C. § 522 (formerly § 89)

14 U.S.C. § 522 grants the Coast Guard authority to make inquiries, examinations, searches, seizures, and arrests upon the high seas and U.S. waters.

A 'right of visit' boarding of a foreign-flagged vessel on the high seas is generally authorized to verify what?

Answer: The vessel's claimed nationality

The right of visit allows boarding to verify a vessel's nationality when there is reasonable suspicion it is stateless or falsely flagged.

What is the primary purpose of the Coast Guard's Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations (AMIO)?

Answer: To interdict and prevent illegal maritime migration

AMIO interdicts undocumented migrants at sea to prevent loss of life and enforce immigration law before migrants reach U.S. shores.

Which zone extends 12 nautical miles from the baseline and is where a coastal state exercises full sovereignty?

Answer: Territorial sea

The territorial sea extends 12 nautical miles from the baseline and is subject to the coastal state's full sovereignty.

A boarding officer discovers narcotics hidden aboard a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction. What is the appropriate first step?

Answer: Secure the evidence and maintain chain of custody

Securing evidence and documenting chain of custody preserves the integrity of the case for prosecution.

What document authorizes the Coast Guard to board and search certain foreign vessels under a bilateral counterdrug agreement?

Answer: A ship rider or bilateral agreement

Bilateral agreements, sometimes using ship riders from the flag state, authorize the Coast Guard to board vessels of partner nations.

The Contiguous Zone extends how far from the baseline?

Answer: 24 nautical miles

The Contiguous Zone extends 24 nautical miles from the baseline, where a state may enforce customs, immigration, and sanitary laws.