What is the legal justification for the Coast Guard to inspect documentation aboard vessels?

The legal justification for the Coast Guard to inspect documentation aboard vessels primarily rests on the need to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. This encompasses a wide range of regulations, including those pertaining to vessel safety, environmental protection, cargo security, and immigration. By verifying documentation, the Coast Guard can ascertain that vessels are adhering to the legal standards set forth by legislation. This regulatory oversight is crucial for maintaining order and safety in U.S. waters, as well as protecting the rights of all maritime users.

While enforcing maritime laws and ensuring the safety of passengers are also important aspects of the Coast Guard's mission, they serve as broader goals that are fundamentally supported by the more specific requirement of compliance with established laws and regulations. Checking for weapons on board, while relevant to security and law enforcement, is just one aspect of the broader regulatory framework and does not encompass the full scope of the Coast Guard's inspection authority.