
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 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.
