One possible explanation...
A few months ago the USCG and the NHMP (Dept of Safety) signed an agreement authorising each to act as agents of the other (My phrasing). The USCG has never been required to show cause to stop and board a US vessel anywhere or a foreign vessel in US waters. An 'agent' of the USCG could be expected to have the same authority and that could be what the NHMP will argue if brought to court on the matter.
I read about this in the Telegraph or Union Leader. The text of the memorandum was not published. That's all I got folks.
Just a theory.
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