§ 638. — Coast Guard ensigns and pennants.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 14USC638]
TITLE 14--COAST GUARD
PART I--REGULAR COAST GUARD
CHAPTER 17--ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 638. Coast Guard ensigns and pennants
(a) Coast Guard vessels and aircraft shall be distinguished from
other vessels and aircraft by an ensign, pennant, or other identifying
insignia of such design as prescribed by the Secretary. Such ensign,
pennant, or other identifying insignia shall be displayed in accordance
with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(b) No vessel or aircraft without authority shall carry, hoist, or
display any ensign, pennant, or other identifying insignia prescribed
for, or intended to resemble, any ensign, pennant, or other identifying
insignia prescribed for Coast Guard vessels or aircraft. Every person
violating this subsection shall be fined not more than $5,000, or
imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 546.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 14, U.S.C., 1946 ed., Sec. 64 (R.S. 2764; Aug. 5,
1935, ch. 438, title III, Sec. 308, 49 Stat. 528).
Aircraft are included within the provisions of this section.
The Secretary rather than the President is given the authority to
design ensigns and pennants.
Unauthorized display of such insignia is made illegal anywhere
rather than only ``within the jurisdiction of the United States''.
The language is broadened to include ``any person violating this
section''; existing law applies to masters of offending vessels only.
81st Congress, House Report No. 557.
