Are the Coast Guard’s enforcement actions limited to federal laws?

The Coast Guard's enforcement actions are not limited solely to federal laws. This is because the Coast Guard has authority to enforce a variety of laws, which include federal, state, and local regulations depending on the jurisdiction they are operating in. While the Coast Guard primarily enforces federal laws as part of its national responsibilities, it also collaborates with state and local law enforcement agencies, particularly in areas concerning maritime safety, environmental protection, and fisheries management. This multi-jurisdictional capability allows the Coast Guard to adapt to diverse circumstances, ensuring that they can effectively maintain safety and lawfulness in U.S. waters, as well as conduct operations internationally.

This breadth of enforcement authority highlights the integrated nature of maritime law enforcement, where the Coast Guard can act on several different levels of law to fulfill its mission effectively.