Description
Secure U.S. coastal and inland waterways by detecting, interdicting, and investigating vessels, cargo, and persons violating customs, immigration, and maritime laws; conduct patrols, surveillance, high-speed pursuits, boardings, and seizures in coordination with partner agencies.
- • Conduct routine and targeted maritime patrols using vessels, radar, AIS, and FLIR to detect suspect activity.
- • Stop and board vessels; verify registration, manifests, and crew/passenger identification and immigration status.
- • Inspect holds, cargo, gear, and personal effects for customs compliance and contraband.
- • Interdict and seize narcotics, weapons, currency, and smuggling conveyances on waterways.
- • Detain, arrest, and transport suspects; coordinate custody transfers and removals with partner units.
- • Explain and enforce customs, immigration, and maritime safety regulations to mariners and travelers.
- • Collect, preserve, and document evidence and samples; maintain chain of custody.
- • Prepare logs, boarding reports, case files, and seizure paperwork; enter data into agency systems.
- • Initiate or support civil and criminal enforcement actions; collaborate with the U.S. Coast Guard, CBP, HSI, and local agencies.
- • Provide testimony in federal court or administrative proceedings regarding maritime interdictions and seizures.
- • Identify tariff and entry violations and refer goods for duty assessment or further inspection by CBP officers.
- • Operate, navigate, and maintain law-enforcement vessels and safety equipment; conduct high-speed pursuit and night operations.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
