Regulation That Has Shaped the Coast Guard's Security Mission

The Espionage Act of 1917 Formed in response to the first foreign terrorist attack inside the United States on Black Tom Island in the New York Harbor, and gave the Coast Guard authority over anchorage and navigation of ships in U.S. waters.

May 01, 2004 — CSO — The Espionage Act of 1917 Formed in response to the first foreign terrorist attack inside the United States on Black Tom Island in the New York Harbor, and gave the Coast Guard authority over anchorage and navigation of ships in U.S. waters.

The Magnuson Act of 1950 Expanded power of the Espionage Act by making it applicable not just in war but whenever the president felt security was threatened. Also expanded the Coast Guard's authority to encompass not just ships but also harbors, ports and waterfront facilities.

Source: Dennis Bryant, CSO research

The Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) of 1972 Extended the Coast Guard's authority over ships and ports to include enforcement of safety standards in peacetime.

The Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978 Expanded the authority of the PWSA of 1972.

The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 Built on the Espionage Act and the Magnuson Act, it unifies and streamlines regulations for all stakeholders in U.S. waterways, and gives the Coast Guard the broadest enforcement role yet.