What is the primary regulatory body for the U.S. Coast Guard?

The primary regulatory body for the U.S. Coast Guard is the Department of Homeland Security. Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Coast Guard was transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security. This shift was aimed at enhancing national security and improving the coordination of homeland security efforts, as the Coast Guard plays a crucial role in maritime security, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement within the nation's waters.

The Department of Defense, while involved in many aspects of national security, does not serve as the regulatory body for the Coast Guard. The Department of Transportation historically oversaw the Coast Guard before the reorganization, but it no longer holds that responsibility. The Department of the Navy is a separate branch of the military and does not regulate the Coast Guard, which is unique in its dual function as both a military service and a law enforcement agency. Thus, the Department of Homeland Security is the correct authority managing the Coast Guard’s regulatory framework and operations.