What document authorizes Coast Guard boarding officers to perform their functions?

The correct answer is Title 14 U.S. Code Section 89, which specifically grants the Coast Guard the authority to board vessels and conduct inspections. This law provides the Coast Guard with the legal framework to enforce maritime regulations, including safety, security, and environmental protection. Under this authority, boarding officers are empowered to approach, board, and inspect vessels to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and treaties.

This section of the U.S. Code delineates the powers and responsibilities of the Coast Guard, clarifying their operational jurisdiction and the legal basis for their actions during boardings. Recognizing this legal foundation is essential for understanding the limits and responsibilities of boarding officers during their duties.

The other options, while related to regulatory practices or operational guidelines, do not confer the same legal authority for boarding activities as Title 14 U.S. Code Section 89 does. Executive orders are often used for specific directives by the President, but they do not serve as statutory law. Similarly, the Federal Maritime Commission Guidelines and the Coast Guard Manual of Procedures serve to guide practices and procedures but are not the authoritative source granting boarding powers.