Who has the authority to terminate a commercial fishing vessel?

The authority to terminate a commercial fishing vessel lies primarily with District Commanders in the Coast Guard, who can delegate this authority to certain officers under their command. This delegation allows for a more efficient response to violations of regulations or unsafe conditions encountered at sea. The process of terminating a vessel often involves considerations such as safety compliance, environmental impacts, and adherence to maritime laws.

This chain of command is established to ensure that decisions regarding vessel terminations are made by individuals who have the requisite training and authority, ensuring that such actions are undertaken with careful consideration of all legal and operational factors.

While the vessel's captain has significant authority over the operations of the vessel, including decisions related to the safety of the crew and vessel operation, this authority does not extend to terminating the vessel from a regulatory perspective. Local law enforcement also does not have the jurisdiction to terminate fishing vessels in the context of maritime regulations, as that authority remains within the purview of the Coast Guard and its designated officers.