Speech #680022763

These ships have always been kept in readiness for war. and on account of the nature of their duties the ships have been armed and the personnel trained in sea fighting. For this reason the Coast Guard has always operated as a part of the Navy in time of war. In peace its lawenforcing activities have been augmented by the (oast Guard being held responsible for the enforcement of miscellaneous laws. such asRendering assistance to vessels in distress and saving life and property . protection of the customs revenue. destruction or removal of wrecks. derelicts. or other dangers to navigation. enforcement of rules and regulations governing anchorage of vessels. enforcement of laws relating to immigration. quarantine. and neutrality. suppression of mutinies on merchant vessels. enforcement of navigation and other laws governing merchant vessels and motor boats. enforcement of law to provide for safety of life on navigable waters during regattas or marine parades. protection of game and the seal and otter fisheries in Alaska. etc. . enforcement of spongefishing law. administering oaths generally In Alaska . collecting statistics regarding loss of life and property .n vessels. In Alaska the duties of the Coast Guard in law enforcement have been even more marked. for in those isolated waters. in the absence of civil courts. Coast Guard officers have been appointed United States commissioners and United States marshals for the enforcement of civil law.