The correct answer is D) U.S. Coast Guard. A Permit to Proceed is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, which has the authority to allow a vessel to depart a port or location without having all the required documentation or equipment in place. This permit is typically granted on a temporary basis, allowing the vessel to reach its next port where the necessary repairs or documentation can be obtained. The other options (A, B, C) are not responsible for issuing Permits to Proceed, as this falls under the jurisdiction and regulatory oversight of the U.S. Coast Guard for vessels operating in U.S. waters.