From our standpoint, what is the sole responsibility of the coast guard? First of all, of the different United States Armed Services it is only the coast guard that is embodied with law enforcement activities. They are the guardians of our territorial waters, and as such they assist in the enforcement of federal laws covering the high seas and they are therefore authorized to make arrests for all offenses made against the United States. They are fully armed, and can board, examine, search and seize any vessels that violate the provisions of the federal laws.
Our coast guards are visible in the seas making arrests of illegal immigrants, of boarding vessels that are suspected to be drug carriers, or other nefarious activities such as gunrunning and allied crimes. They bring fear to criminals using our waterways because of the
Coast Guard Flags that are visibly displayed on their cutters.
Do you have any idea why our coast guards uses two sets of flags? The reason of course is they use one for their vessels or cutters and all shore units, which is the Coast Guard Ensign, while the other one is the Standard Coast Guard Flag used during special events and ceremonies. The Standard flag represents the Coast Guard while the Ensign Flag is flown to enforce existing federal laws.
So, if you are on your yacht in the high seas and the coast cutter approaches, then it only means that they are only after your welfare - that you are safe. On the other hand if you are dealing with contraband merchandise, the visible coast guard ensign flag should bring chilling sensations, because finally the law has caught up with you.
by:
The Flagman
