What gives authority for Coast Guard boarding operations?

The authority for Coast Guard boarding operations is provided by 14 USC 89, which grants the Coast Guard the power to make inquiries, examinations, inspections, and searches of vessels on the high seas and waters extending seaward of the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured. This statute empowers Coast Guard personnel to enforce maritime laws, ensuring safety and environmental protection.

The other options lack the specific legal backing that 14 USC 89 provides. While the Department of Defense Guidelines may influence operation procedures, they do not grant boarding authority. Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations relates to navigation and navigable waters but does not specifically address the boarding authority of the Coast Guard. The Marine Safety Manual serves as a procedural guide and policy framework rather than a statutory authority for boarding operations. Thus, 14 USC 89 distinctly outlines the legal foundation for such actions by the Coast Guard, making it the correct and primary choice for this question.