Coast guard
A coast guard is an organization that protects people at sea. The role of the coast guard varies greatly by country. The coast guard is sometimes part of a military or a semi-military organization, or it can be a law enforcement (policing) agency. However, the coast guard is always separate from the navy.
For example, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the military and has duties that include searching for people, ships and boats in danger at sea; rescuing those in danger; and law enforcement to protect people from terrorism and crimes at sea. The coast guard can also become part of the Navy in a time of war.
By contrast, Her Majesty's Coastguard in the United Kingdom is neither a military force nor a law enforcement agency. Its only job is to lead searches and rescues for those in danger at sea, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution launches most rescue boats.
Coast Guard Media
- Bertholf and Plane (2259190479).jpg
- Russian coast guard vessel 183.jpg
Russian Coast Guard ship #183 Volga
- Canada Search and Rescue.jpg
A CH-149 Cormorant training with a Canadian Coast Guard cutter
- Chinese Coast Guard ship during DiREx-15.jpg
A Chinese Coast Guard ship participating in an international exercise
Multi-purpose vessel Arkona of the German Federal Coast Guard
A Portuguese National Republican Guard Coastal Control Unit surveillance boat of the LVI type
The HM Coastguard station at Girvan, Ayrshire, Scotland
The Cape Hatteras Life-Saving Station, North Carolina, in use from the mid-19th century
US coast guardsmen and Canadian navy sailors working together
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