What is the primary legislative mandate of the Coast Guard under Title 14 of the U.S. Code?

The primary legislative mandate of the Coast Guard under Title 14 of the U.S. Code is to enforce federal laws on the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This includes maintaining maritime law and order, which extends to various activities that may be related to protecting U.S. interests, ensuring the safety of navigation, and safeguarding maritime resources.

While enforcement of state and local laws could be part of the broader mission, the explicit mandate given in Title 14 emphasizes the enforcement of federal laws. This encompasses various responsibilities, such as drug interdiction, immigration enforcement, and fisheries enforcement. Therefore, recognizing this specific federal authority highlights the critical role the Coast Guard plays in upholding national laws and ensuring lawful conduct within U.S. waters and beyond.

The other options focus on aspects of the Coast Guard's responsibilities but do not capture the core mandate as clearly defined in Title 14. Military operations, humanitarian assistance, and assisting in global maritime navigation are important functions of the Coast Guard but they do not represent the primary legislative mandate outlined in the relevant legal framework.