What legal code grants the Coast Guard authority to conduct boardings?

The legal code that grants the Coast Guard authority to conduct boardings is indeed 14 USC 89. This section of the United States Code specifically allows Coast Guard personnel to make inquiries, examinations, inspections, and searches of vessels. This authority is critical for enforcing laws related to immigration, customs, and navigation, among other statutory responsibilities.

The provisions of 14 USC 89 not only empower the Coast Guard to board vessels, but they also outline the circumstances under which boarding can occur. This includes the requirement to assess compliance with regulations governing safety, security, and environmental protection at sea.

The other options, though they pertain to various aspects of Coast Guard authority and operations, do not specifically address the authority to board vessels for inspection or enforcement purposes. By focusing on the context provided in 14 USC 89, one can understand how it serves as a vital legal foundation for the Coast Guard's roles in maritime law enforcement.