UNIFORM REGULATIONS - U.S. Coast Guard

COMDTINST M1020.6G
While on Duty
Wearing or displaying clothing,
jewelry, tattoos, etc. depicting drugs
or advocating drug use, or of a
sexual, crude, extremist, or racist
nature is strictly prohibited.
Marine safety personnel may wear civilian clothing
when conducting prevention investigative or
inspection duties that require exceptional cooperation
of mariners in locations or situations that would
inhibit open information sharing with uniformed law
enforcement; or where destruction of clothing due to
severe wear (even when supplemented with coveralls)
make the cost of uniform replacement a hardship.
This should not be interpreted as blanket authority
to wear civilian clothing all the time. Proper
consideration should be given to determine if the
wearing of civilian clothing is necessary to meet the
needs of the service for any given situation.
Special agents may be exempt from image and
grooming standards while assigned to investigative
duties. Because the standard for haircuts may be
conspicuous, special agents may be authorized by
competent authority to wear hair and sideburns that
are in keeping with local styles and the nature of their
duties on a case-by-case basis.
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