Which act governs Coast Guard actions to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism?

• A. Port and Waterways Act
• B. Public Affairs Act
• C. Homeland Security Act
• D. Maritime Security Act

Answer: (A)

The main idea is identifying which statute directly gives the Coast Guard the authority to secure ports and waterways against terrorism. The Port and Waterways Safety Act provides the framework for maritime security in port facilities, vessels, and navigable channels. It authorizes the Coast Guard to enforce security measures, conduct inspections, require security plans, and take enforcement actions to prevent or respond to threats in the port and maritime environment. While broader laws under Homeland Security set overall counterterrorism priorities, this act is the one that directly governs the Coast Guard’s day-to-day security actions in the maritime domain. The other options deal with communications or general homeland security structures and do not specify maritime security authorities in the same way.