Coast Guard Test Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

14 U.S.C. § 522 (formerly § 89)

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The vessel's claimed nationality

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

To interdict and prevent illegal maritime migration

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Territorial sea

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Secure the evidence and maintain chain of custody

Answer

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

Coast Guard Practice Test