Which legal document provides the Coast Guard with boarding authority on the high seas?

The legal document that grants the Coast Guard authority to board vessels on the high seas is found in 14 U.S.C. 89(a). This statute establishes the Coast Guard's enforcement authority and enables boarding, searching, and seizure of vessels to enforce U.S. laws and international conventions. Specifically, it allows for law enforcement actions to ensure compliance with maritime regulations, safeguard national security, and protect the marine environment.

As a critical part of the Coast Guard’s mission, this authority helps maintain law and order on the high seas, ensuring that safety and regulatory compliance are upheld at sea. The authority is broad and can apply to various situations, such as undocumented vessels, suspected illegal activities, or safety inspections.

In contrast, other legal references, such as 14 U.S.C. 92, Title 33 of the U.S. Code, and the Maritime Security Act, address different aspects of maritime law or regulatory frameworks but do not specifically provide the boarding authority that 14 U.S.C. 89(a) does. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the specific statute that directly pertains to the Coast Guard's authority during operations on the high seas.