What power does the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 provide to Coast Guard personnel?

The choice regarding the authority to make arrests for offenses against the U.S. is correct because the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 explicitly enhances the law enforcement capabilities of the Coast Guard. This act provides Coast Guard personnel with the necessary authority to enforce U.S. laws while at sea and within the nation's navigable waters.

Under this legislation, Coast Guard members are empowered to apprehend individuals who commit offenses related to maritime operations, such as drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and other criminal activities that pose a threat to maritime safety and national security. This arrest authority is crucial for maintaining law and order in U.S. waters and ensuring compliance with federal laws.

The other options do not accurately reflect the explicit powers granted by the Act. For instance, creating new maritime laws typically falls under the jurisdiction of Congress, while managing federal transportation rules involves regulatory frameworks and may not specifically pertain to the Coast Guard's designated functions. Overseeing international maritime treaties is generally a function of the U.S. State Department or other diplomatic entities, rather than enforcement by the Coast Guard.