What establishes the SAR authority for the Coast Guard?

The establishment of Search and Rescue (SAR) authority for the Coast Guard is grounded in Title 14, Sections 2, 88, and 141 of the U.S. Code. This title details the roles and responsibilities of the Coast Guard as a branch of the military and outlines its missions, including the primary duty of saving lives and property at sea. The specific sections provide the legal foundation that grants the Coast Guard the authority to conduct SAR operations, ensuring it can respond effectively to maritime emergencies and coordinate rescue efforts.

The other options do not define the SAR authority for the Coast Guard. Title 32 relates to the organization of the National Guard and is not directly associated with SAR operations. Department of Transportation regulations may provide guidelines related to transportation safety but do not specifically give SAR authority. Similarly, the Federal Maritime Commission focuses on regulating maritime commerce and does not grant SAR operational authority. Thus, Title 14 of the U.S. Code is the correct and most relevant reference for establishing this critical function of the Coast Guard.