What is the primary duty of the Coast Guard according to 14 USC 102?

According to 14 USC 102, the primary duty of the Coast Guard is to enforce applicable federal laws on the high seas and U.S. waters. This statutory framework emphasizes the Coast Guard's role as a law enforcement agency with a broad mandate to ensure compliance with federal law in maritime environments. This encompasses a wide variety of tasks, including searching for and rescuing those in peril at sea, preventing illegal activities like smuggling and human trafficking, and safeguarding the nation's marine resources and environment.

The enforcement of federal laws is a core component of the Coast Guard's responsibilities, which helps maintain order and safety in the nation’s waters. This mission is vital in protecting U.S. sovereignty and interests through regulation and enforcement activities.

The other options reflect important functions and roles of the Coast Guard but do not capture its primary duty as specified in the statute. While assisting other federal agencies and promoting maritime commerce are part of its broader mission, they are secondary to the obligation to enforce federal laws.