Coastguard

Coast guard refers to a maritime security organization responsible for protecting a nation’s coastlines and its nearby waters within a defined jurisdiction. The exact mandate and structure vary by country. In some states the coast guard is a civilian agency under a ministry such as transport or interior; in others it is a military service integrated with the navy or a joint civilian–military force.

Typical roles include search and rescue, maritime safety and navigation, enforcement of maritime law (including fishing, immigration, smuggling, and cargo safety), environmental protection and response to spills, port and coastal security, and aid to navigation. They may also participate in disaster response, humanitarian missions, and anti-poaching operations.

Coast guards operate a range of assets, including vessels such as cutters and patrol boats, aircraft including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, and a network of surveillance infrastructure. Boarding teams and legal authorities enable enforcement at sea and cooperation with other agencies and international partners.

Jurisdiction generally covers territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and strategically important waterways. In peacetime many coast guards operate under civilian oversight; in wartime they may be placed under the armed forces or resume full military status, depending on national law.

Notable examples include the United States Coast Guard, the Canadian Coast Guard, and other national services around the world, which may differ in funding, command structure, and degrees of military integration. History of coast guard services traces to 18th and 19th-century maritime lifesaving and customs enforcement, with some nations forming unified organizations in the 20th century; the U.S. Coast Guard, for instance, evolved from the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-Saving Service, combined in 1915.