Which of the following is NOT one of the five authorities of the Coast Guard?

The authority of the Coast Guard encompasses a range of responsibilities integral to maintaining safety, security, and environmental protection in U.S. waters. Among these authorities, environmental protection focuses on safeguarding marine environments from pollution and other hazardous activities. Port safety and security falls under the Coast Guard’s purview to ensure safe operations within and around ports, protecting both national interests and maritime commerce. Maritime law enforcement allows the Coast Guard to enforce laws pertaining to maritime activity, contributing to the overall safety and regulation of waterborne transportation.

Commercial shipping, while a significant aspect of maritime activity, does not represent one of the designated authorities of the Coast Guard. Instead, the Coast Guard’s role involves regulating and facilitating commercial shipping operations through its established authorities rather than being classified as an authority itself. This distinction clarifies the Coast Guard's responsibilities, where management of shipping is a function of broader regulatory measures rather than a separate, standalone authority.