MARITIME SAFETY

When the rescue alarm sounds, we are at our best.

We jump into action, going into the dangerous seas and harm's way – on sea and in the air – to save others.

Put quite simply, we provide the world's fastest and most effective response to distress calls.

On an average day, we will save 15 lives, assist 114 in distress and conduct 82 search and rescue operations.

To be part of our Search and Rescue team, it takes more than physical ability and mental toughness. You'll also need that special desire and bravery with which heroes are born.

Members of our SAR teams also promote safety by inspecting merchant vessels and licensing their masters and crews. Our goals are to:

• Reduce crewmember deaths and injuries on U.S. commercial and passenger vessels
• Lower the number of collisions and groundings in the waters under our jurisdiction

In a dedicated effort to prevent future mishaps, we investigate maritime accidents and learn from them, to revise regulations and safety standards.

As the lead U.S. representative to the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, we are the driving force behind the implementation of international safety and pollution standards.

Commercial vessels are not the only boats in our waterways - more then 76 million recreational boaters share the space as well. This is why we have a recreational boating program that is aimed at lowering the loss of life, property and damage to the environment. We have a 35,000-person civilian volunteer branch called the Coast Guard Auxiliary.