Legal Definitions - Coast Guard jurisdiction

Coast Guard jurisdiction refers to the legal authority of the United States Coast Guard to enforce federal laws on the water. This power extends across the high seas (international waters) and all navigable waters over which the United States has control, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

It grants the Coast Guard the ability to:

• Stop and board vessels
• Conduct searches of vessels and property
• Seize illegal property or contraband
• Arrest individuals who violate federal laws

Here are some examples illustrating Coast Guard jurisdiction:

• Example 1: Intercepting Drug Smugglers on the High Seas

  A United States Coast Guard cutter patrolling the Caribbean Sea, far from any national coastline, detects a suspicious go-fast boat. Based on intelligence and the vessel's erratic behavior, the Coast Guard exercises its authority to stop and board the boat. During the search, they discover a large quantity of illegal narcotics hidden within the hull. The Coast Guard then seizes the drugs and arrests the crew members for drug trafficking.

  This example demonstrates Coast Guard jurisdiction over the high seas, showing their power to stop, search, seize property, and arrest individuals for violating U.S. federal laws, even in international waters.

• Example 2: Enforcing Environmental Regulations in a Coastal Bay

  A commercial fishing vessel operating in a protected bay off the coast of Florida is observed illegally dumping waste overboard. A nearby Coast Guard patrol boat responds, intercepts the vessel, and boards it to investigate. After confirming the illegal dumping and collecting evidence, the Coast Guard issues citations to the captain and crew for violating environmental protection laws and may seize the vessel's logbooks as evidence.

  This illustrates Coast Guard jurisdiction within navigable waters over which the United States has control, specifically enforcing environmental laws by stopping, boarding, and citing violators.

• Example 3: Ensuring Safety and Security on a Major River

  During a busy holiday weekend on the Mississippi River, a recreational boater is operating their vessel at excessive speed and dangerously close to other boats, creating a hazard. A United States Coast Guard vessel on patrol observes this reckless behavior. They activate their lights and siren to stop the boat, board it, and conduct a safety inspection. Finding the operator to be under the influence of alcohol, the Coast Guard arrests the individual for violating federal boating safety regulations and impounds the vessel.

  This example highlights Coast Guard jurisdiction in domestic navigable waters, demonstrating their authority to stop, board, and arrest individuals to ensure public safety and enforce maritime laws.