comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 5 – Mission Types
Section C. Enforcement of Laws and Treaties (ELT)
Introduction
In this section
The modern ELT program is directed primarily at protecting fisheries
and other marine resources, combating illicit drug trafficking,
interdicting illegal migrants at sea, ensuring compliance with recreational
and other vessel safety laws, including Boating Under the Influence
(BUI), enforcement of environmental protection statutes, LE in relation
to Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS), and responding to
vessel incidents involving violent acts or other criminal activity.
The vast majority of recreational and commercial vessels encountered by
the Coast Guard in the course of ELT operations are operated by law-
abiding citizens who are entitled to be treated with courtesy, respect, and
due consideration for the nature of any legitimate activity in which they
are engaged. Coast Guard personnel must recognize that the continued
effectiveness of the ELT program depends upon public support for the
importance of the laws we enforce and public recognition of the
professional manner in which we discharge our enforcement
re sponsibilities. MLE under the ELT program is primarily accomplished
by conducting vessel boardings to detect and suppress violations of all
federal laws, as well as by engaging in surveillance or interdiction to
enforce or assist in the enforcement of these laws.
This section contains the following information:
Title
See Page
Description and Authority 2-104
ELT Response 2-105
ELT Patrols 2-105
ELT Boarding 2-108
Coordinating ELT Activity 2-109
2-103