Under the "peace of the port" doctrine, who retains control over incidents involving foreign flag vessels in U.S. waters?

The "peace of the port" doctrine is a principle that recognizes the sovereignty of a foreign flag vessel while it is in U.S. waters, emphasizing the primary jurisdiction and control of the vessel's flag State. This means that when a foreign-registered ship is within U.S. waters, the laws of the country under which the vessel is registered apply primarily, and it is that country's responsibility to handle incidents involving their vessels.

This arrangement helps maintain respect for international maritime law and the rights of nations to govern their flagged vessels. While U.S. authorities, such as the Coast Guard, may intervene in cases of emergencies, criminal activity, or where U.S. laws are applicable, the overall authority for regulating the vessel's operations and handling incidents remains with the flag State unless there are specific reasons that warrant U.S. jurisdiction, such as violations of U.S. law or international treaties.

As for the other options, while local law enforcement may get involved in certain situations, their authority is limited by the flag State's rights. The U.S. Coast Guard does conduct inspections and ensure compliance with safety and security regulations, but it does so within the framework respecting the flag State's jurisdiction. The United Nations does not retain control over individual vessels; its role