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What is the Coast Guard’s role in enforcing maritime law?

On Behalf of | Nov 21, 2017 | Admiralty & Maritime Law

Louisiana waterways and other waters around and in the United States are rather vast. It would be very difficult to police those areas without a special law enforcement unit. The main law enforcement for maritime law is the U.S. Coast Guard. According to the USCG website, it is responsible for enforcing all maritime laws and handling any issues on the waterways of the United States. This responsibility is rather large because it includes everything from ensuring safety on the water to stopping contraband from coming into the country.

The USCG works under the Maritime Law Enforcement program. This program has several different functions to ensure safety and security involving the country’s waterways. This includes drug interdiction, which helps to keep illegal drugs out of the country. It enables the USCG to monitor, search and handle any instances where drugs are involved or thought to be involved. There is also living marine resources law enforcement duties to help protect animal and plant life in U.S. waterways. The migrant interdiction helps the USCG to manage immigrants into the country. Finally, the USCG also assists other law enforcement when needed and for activities involving vessels. 

The USCG also works with international law enforcement, ensuring all laws are obeyed and that lawbreakers are caught. It will work to ensure any treaties or other agreements are also adhered to when it comes to foreign nations. The USCG is often the first line of defense as well when the United States needs to secure its water borders. It is an important part of the country’s law enforcement and an essential part of maintaining maritime order.