Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{about||the 1939 American film|Coast Guard (film)|the 2002 South Korean film|The Coast Guard (film)}}
[[File:Russian coast guard vessel 183.jpg|thumb|[[Coast Guard (Russia)|Russian Coast Guard]] vessel #183]]
[[File:Canada Search and Rescue.jpg|right|thumb|A [[CH-149 Cormorant]] training with a [[Canadian Coast Guard]] cutter.]]
[[File:Mehrzweckschiff Arkona Warnemuende 2.jpg|right|thumb| Multi-purpose vessel ''Arkona'' of the [[German Federal Coast Guard]]]]
[[File:Barco da Brigada Fiscal.jpg|thumb|right|A Portuguese National Republican Guard Coastal Control Unit surveillance boat of the LVI type.]]
A '''coast guard''' or '''coastguard''' is a [[Maritime Security Regimes|maritime security]] organization of a particular country. The term implies widely different responsibilities in different countries, from being a heavily armed [[military]] force with [[customs]] and security duties to being a volunteer organization tasked with [[search and rescue]] functions and lacking any law enforcement powers. However, a typical coast guard's functions are distinct from typical functions of both the ''[[navy]]'' (a pure military force) and a ''[[transportation police]]'' (a civilian [[law enforcement]] agency).
==History==
[[File:Girvan Coastguard station.JPG|left|thumb|200px|The HM Coastguard station at Girvan, Ayrshire, Scotland.]]
The predecessor of the modern [[HM Coastguard|Her Majesty's Coastguard]] of the [[United Kingdom]] was established in 1809 as the [[Waterguard]], which was originally devoted to the prevention of [[smuggling]] as a department of the [[HM Customs and Excise]] authority. At the time, due to high UK taxation on liquors such as [[brandy]], and on [[tobacco]], etc., smuggling in cargoes of these from places such as France, Belgium, and Holland, was an attractive proposition for many, the barrels of brandy and other [[contraband]] being landed from the ships on England's beaches at night from small boats and later sold-on for profit, as later depicted in the [[Doctor Syn]] series of books by [[Russell Thorndike]]. The Coastguard was, however, also responsible for giving assistance to [[shipwrecks]].
Each Waterguard station was issued with a [[Manby mortar]], which had been invented by Captain [[George William Manby]] in 1808. The mortar fired a shot with a line attached from the shore to the wrecked ship and was used for many years. This began the process through which the Coastguard assumed a life saving role. In 1821 a committee of inquiry recommended that responsibility for the Preventative Waterguard be transferred to the Board of Customs. The [[Treasury]] agreed and (in a memorandum dated 15 January 1822) directed that the preventative services, which consisted of the [[Waterguard|Preventative Water Guard]], cruisers, and [[riding officer]]s should be placed under the authority of the Board of Customs and in future should be named the "Coastguard". In 1845 the Coastguard was subordinated to the [[Admiralty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.donnanookcoastguard.org.uk/page4.html|title=The History of H M Coastguard}}</ref>
[[File:Cape Hatteras life saving station.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station|Cape Hatteras Life-Saving Station]], [[North Carolina]], in use from the mid-19th century.]]
In 1829 the first UK Coastguard instructions were published and dealt with discipline and directions for carrying out preventative duties. They also stipulated that, when a wreck took place, the Coastguard was responsible for taking all possible action to save lives, to take charge of the vessel and to protect property.<ref>[http://yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=Coastguard_History] National Archives - Coastguard History (1992 Memorandum)</ref>
In the United States, the [[United States Coast Guard]] was created in 1915 by the merger of two other federal agencies. The first,the [[United States Revenue Cutter Service]], was a maritime customs enforcement agency that also assumed a supporting role to the [[United States Navy]] in wartime. The second, the [[United States Life-Saving Service]], was formed in 1848 and consisted of life saving crews stationed at points along the eastern seaboard. The Coast Guard later absorbed the [[United States Lighthouse Service]] and the [[Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection]].
==Role==
Among the responsibilities that may be entrusted to a coast guard service are:
* search and rescue,
* enforcement of [[maritime law]],
* safety of vessels,
* maintenance of [[seamark]]s, and
* [[border control]].
During wartime, some national Coast Guard organisations might have a role as a naval reserve force with responsibilities in harbor defenses, [[port security]], naval [[counter-intelligence]] and coastal patrols.
The Coast Guard may, varying by jurisdiction, be part of a country's [[military]], a law enforcement agency, or a search and rescue body. For example, the [[U.S. Coast Guard|United States Coast Guard]] is a military branch with a law enforcement capacity, whereas the [[United Kingdom]]'s [[Her Majesty's Coastguard]] (HMCG) is a civilian organisation whose only role is search and rescue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/aboutus.htm |title=MCA - About us |publisher=Mcga.gov.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref> Most coast guards operate [[ship]]s and [[aircraft]] including [[helicopter]]s and [[seaplane]]s that are either owned or leased by the agency in order to fulfil their respective roles.
Some coast guards, such as the [[Irish Coast Guard]], have only a very limited law enforcement role, usually in enforcing maritime safety law, such as by inspecting ships docked in their jurisdiction.<ref>{{cite web|author=Library, Department of Transport. Aviation. Aer Lingus Affairs |url=http://www.transport.ie/marine/IRCG/CGinformation/index.asp?lang=ENG&loc=2076#gen |title=Department of Transport: General Coast Guard Information |publisher=Transport.ie |date=2001-10-25 |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref> In cases where the Coast Guard is primarily concerned with ''coordinating'' rather than executing rescue operations, [[Lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]]s are often provided by civilian voluntary organisations, such as the [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]] in the [[United Kingdom]], whilst aircraft may be provided by the countries' [[armed forces]], such as the search and rescue [[Westland Sea King|Sea Kings]] operated by the [[Royal Air Force]] and [[Royal Navy]], in addition to any of the HMCG's own helicopters.
==Type and role by country==
The following lists a select number of Coast Guards around the world, illustrating the varied roles they play in the respective governments and the countries they operate in:
===Argentina===
The [[Argentine Naval Prefecture]], in Spanish ''Prefectura Naval Argentina'' or PNA, is a service of the Argentine Republic's Security Ministry charged with protecting the country's rivers, lakes and maritime territory. It therefore fulfills the functions of other countries' coast guards, and furthermore acts as a [[gendarmerie]] force policing navigable rivers and lakes. They belonged to the Ministry of Defence until the 1980s, and the corps´ highest official was a Navy rear-admiral. They have since been transferred to the Ministry of Interior and, more recently, to the newly created Ministry of Security. However, in case of armed conflict, they can be put under Navy´s command.
===Australia===
{{Main article|Coast guards in Australia}}
While having 19,650 kilometres of coastline, the Commonwealth of Australia does not have a force purely to defend its coast. The duty of patrolling its coastline falls to the [[Royal Australian Navy]], the [[Australian Border Force]] (through its [[Customs Marine Unit|Marine Unit]] division), and the Police services of the several states and territories.
In addition, there are several private volunteer coast guard organizations, the two largest organizations being the [[Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol]] (established in 1937) and the [[Australian Volunteer Coast Guard]] (established in 1961). These volunteer organizations have no law enforcement powers, and are essentially auxiliary Search and Rescue services. In NSW these two organisations have joined to become Marine Rescue in 2009.
===Bangladesh===
{{Main article|Bangladesh Coast Guard}}
The '''Bangladesh Coast Guard''' ([[Bengali language|Bengali]] transliteration: বাংলাদেশ কোস্ট গার্ড; translated from [[English language|English]]: ''বাংলাদেশ উপকূল রক্ষক''); '''BCG''' is the maritime law enforcement force of [[Bangladesh]]. It is a paramilitary force which is under the jurisdiction of the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Bangladesh)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]. Its officers are transferred from the [[Bangladesh Navy]]. The Bangladesh Coast Guard also performs the duty of maritime border security of Bangladesh. The headquarters is located in [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh. Currently the coast guard has 3,339 personnel<ref name=cga>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/feb/14/continue-effort-trafficking-drugs-and-humans#sthash.KKR8lYod.dpuf|title='Continue effort to trafficking of drugs and humans' |publisher=dhakatribune.com |date= 14 February 2016 |accessdate=14 February 2016}}</ref>
===Barbados===
{{Main article|Barbados Coast Guard}}
===Bosnia and Herzegovina===
[[File:BiH Coast Guard.jpg|thumb|Bosnia and Herzegovina Granična policija surveillance boat (unit P4)]]
Having 18 kilometres of coastline only, Bosnia Herzegovina does not have a force dedicated to defend its coast. The duty of patrolling its coastline falls to the Granična policija (Border Police).
===Brazil===
In addition to the roles of a traditional navy, the [[Brazilian Navy]] also carries out the role of organizing the merchant navy and other operational safety missions traditionally conducted by a coast guard. Other roles include: Conducting national maritime policy, and implementing and enforcing laws and regulations with respect to the sea and inland waters.
===Canada===
The [[Canadian Coast Guard]] (CCG) is a civilian service under the [[Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada)|Department of Fisheries and Oceans]] responsible for patrolling the world's longest coastline of 243,042 km (~151,000 mi).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/learningresources/facts/coastline.html |title=The Atlas of Canada - Coastline and Shoreline |publisher=Atlas.nrcan.gc.ca |date=2011-10-03 |accessdate=2012-11-09 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010233858/http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/learningresources/facts/coastline.html/ |archivedate=2012-10-10 |df= }}</ref>
The CCG holds responsibility for all marine search and rescue throughout Canada. The CCG coordinates search and rescue operations with the [[Canadian Forces|Canadian Armed Forces]], [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]], and other organizations. The CCG maintains and operates seamarks, coastal light stations, vessel traffic services, marine pollution response services, marine communications systems, and provides icebreaking services. The CCG also operates all Federal scientific research and hydrographic survey vessels. To accomplish these tasks, the CCG has a sizable fleet of vessels and aircraft, all serviced from various bases and smaller stations located on three coasts ([[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]], [[Arctic Ocean|Arctic]], [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]]) and the [[Great Lakes]] and [[St. Lawrence River]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/Mission |title=CCG Mission, Vision and Mandate |publisher=Canadian Coast Guard |date=2012-02-01 |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
The [[Canadian Coast Guard College]] is located near [[Sydney, Nova Scotia]].
===China===
{{Main article|Chinese Coast Guard}}
The '''[[Peoples Republic of China]]''' used to operate several '''coast guard agencies'''. In March 2013, China announced it would combine the assets of four separate maritime law enforcement agencies to form a unified Coast Guard, administrated by the [[State Oceanic Administration]]<ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013npc/2013-03/11/content_16296448.htm - Articles - Nation merging maritime patrol forces<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The new Coast Guard has been in operation since July 2013.<ref>http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130723/DEFREG03/307230021/China-Unveils-Coast-Guard-Handle-Sea-Conflict</ref>
The current [[China Coast Guard]] (Simplified Chinese: 中国海警) serves as a coordinating body for maritime search and rescue in the territorial waters of the People's Republic of China. The China Coast Guard was previously a maritime branch of the Public Security Border Troops, a paramilitary police force under the leadership of the [[Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China|Ministry of Public Security]] (MPS). Since 2013, it is administered by the State Oceanic Administration.
The former [[China Maritime Safety Administration]] (Chinese: 中国海事局) was a government agency which coordinated maritime search and rescue in the territorial waters of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The CMSA was part of the [[Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China|Ministry of Transport]].
The former [[China Marine Surveillance]] (CMS), created on 19 October 1998, was a paramilitary maritime law enforcement agency of the [[State Oceanic Administration]] of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The force was responsible for enforcing laws and order within China's territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZ), and shores; protecting the maritime environment, natural resources, navigation aids and other facilities; and carrying out maritime surveys. In emergencies, these forces could also be deployed for other missions such as search and rescue.
The former [[China Fisheries Law Enforcement Command]] (FLEC)(Chinese: 中国渔政), an organ of the [[Fisheries Management Bureau]] under the PRC Ministry of Agriculture, was responsible for the enforcement of laws concerning fishing and maritime resources within PRC's territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZ). FLEC's responsibilities included protecting Chinese fishing vessels and personnel, resolving disputes in fishing activities, preventing illegal fishing, and protecting maritime resources.
===Cyprus===
[[File:Police boat Cyprus 01.JPG|thumb|right|Cyprus Port and Marine Police jet F.P.B. (Fast sea Patrol Boat)]]
{{Main article|Cyprus Port and Marine Police|Cyprus Police Aviation Unit}}
The [[Cyprus Port and Marine Police]] ([[Greek language|Greek]] ''Λιμενική και Ναυτική Αστυνομία'' - ''Limeniki kai Nautiki Astinomia'') fulfills the functions of other countries' coast guards for the [[Republic of Cyprus]]. Cyprus is an [[island country]] in the [[Eastern Mediterranean]] with almost 40% of its territory under occupation after a [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|Turkish military Invasion]]. Due to the country's [[geopolitical]] situation, size, the recent discovery in 2011 of the [[Aphrodite gas field]] in its [[Exclusive Economic Zone]] and [[Cyprus Police]] being the main national [[Law enforcement agency]], the duties and responsibilities of the Cyprus Port and Marine Police are many and sometimes complex. It is a unit of the Cyprus Police, which resides under the [[Ministry of Justice and Public Order (Cyprus)]]. However it can support the [[Cyprus Navy]] in wartime which resides under the Ministry of Defence. It is staffed by [[Police Officer]]s which can be transferred to and from other units and agencies of the Cyprus Police and are tasked with the primary mission of policing the country's sea borders and the [[law enforcement]] of the waters around it. The unit is equipped with patrol boats and radars but it does not operate its own helicopters. Instead, it operates in combination with the aerial unit of the Cyprus Police, the [[Cyprus Police Aviation Unit]]. Main roles include law enforcement against illicit activities such as [[smuggling]] (due to the fact that although the [[Customs]] and Excise Department is a separate agency under the Ministry of Finance, it does not have an operational or tactical team of its own), [[terrorism]], [[piracy]], illegal [[fishing]], [[Illegal drug trade]], [[illegal immigration]] and is also assigned with [[Search and rescue|Search and Rescue]] (SAR) duties. For [[counter-terrorism]] and anti-piracy operations, the units operate in combination with the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad which is part of the [[Emergency Response Unit (Cyprus)|Emergency Response Unit]] of the Cyprus Police. Although the prominent agencies responsible for all Search and Rescue operations are conducted by Cyprus Police Units, the agency responsible to organize the SAR system, to co-ordinate, to control and direct SAR operations in the region that the Republic of Cyprus is responsible for (which coincides with the Nicosia [[Flight information region|FIR]]) is the [[Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center]] or JRCC Larnaca, which is an independent agency of the Ministry of Defence.
===France===
{{Main article|Maritime Gendarmerie}}
In the [[France|French Republic]], [[Affaires maritimes]] is the closest organization to Coast Guards. In each region, a Naval Admiral, called Préfet Maritime, is in charge of coordination of all state services for action at sea ([[French Navy|Navy]], [[Affaires maritimes]], [[National Gendarmerie|gendarmerie]], [[customs]], fishery survey ...). The charity, [[Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer]], provides most life saving duties at the local level.
===Germany===
{{Main article|German Federal Coast Guard}}
The [[German Federal Coast Guard]], known as the ''Küstenwache,'' is both a civilian service and a law enforcement organisation, staffed with both police officers and certain civilians from the various German federal agencies associated with maritime administration with responsibility for the coordination of all law enforcement activities within its jurisdiction in the Federal Republic of Germany.<ref>[http://www.kuestenwache.wsd-nord.de/index2.htm] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703235454/http://www.kuestenwache.wsd-nord.de/index2.htm |date=July 3, 2009 }}</ref>
===Greece===
{{Main article|Hellenic Coast Guard}}
The ''Hellenic Coast Guard'' ([[Greek language|Greek]] ''Λιμενικό Σώμα-Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή'' - ''Limeniko Soma-Elliniki Aktofylaki'' - lit. "Harbor Corps-Hellenic Coast Guard") is the national coast guard of the [[Greece|Republic of Greece]]. It is a paramilitary organization that can support the [[Hellenic Navy]] in wartime, but resides under separate civilian control in times of peace. It was founded in 1919 by an Act of Parliament and the legal framework for its function was reformed in 1927.
===Haiti===
{{Main article|Haitian Coast Guard}}
The [[Haitian Coast Guard]] is an operational unit of the [[Haitian National Police]]. It is one of the few law enforcement organisations in the world to combine water policing and coast guard duties while remaining as a policing unit. It operates primarily as a law enforcement agency, with secondary responsibilities in search and rescue.
===Hong Kong===
In Hong Kong, law enforcement duties are carried out by the [[Marine Region]] of the [[Hong Kong Police Force]] and the [[Customs and Excise Department (Hong Kong)|Customs and Excise Department]] (Ports and Maritime Command of the Boundary and Ports Branch). The [[Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre]] (HKMRCC) co-ordinates search and rescue vessels, aircraft and other resources of the [[Fire Services Department]], [[Government Flying Service]], [[Marine Department (Hong Kong)|Marine Department]] and the Marine Police.
===Iceland===
{{Main article|Icelandic Coast Guard}}
The [[Icelandic Coast Guard]] has primarily been a [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]] organisation but is also in charge of [[military|national defences]]. It has also involved with the Republic of Iceland's contributions to expeditionary operations and conducted [[military of Iceland|military]] exercises. For example, Operation [[Enduring Freedom]] and [[Northern Challenge]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lhg.is/english/icg/ |title=Icelandic Coast Guard | English | Landhelgisgæsla Íslands |publisher=Lhg.is |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===India===
{{Main article|Indian Coast Guard}}
[[File:IndianCoastGuard OPV30 Vishwast Kobe 20101129-001.jpg|thumb|Indian Coast Guard ''Vishwast''-class offshore patrol vessel]]
In the [[India|Republic of India]], the [[Indian Coast Guard]] is an armed force of the union, under the ministry of defence and, in contrast with some coast guard units, resembles a naval coastal defence force. It has responsibility for search and rescue, enforcement of maritime law- anti-smuggling, immigration and shipping regulations- and protecting the country's maritime and offshore resources<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/ |title=Indian Coast Guard |publisher=Indian Coast Guard |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===Indonesia===
{{Main article|Indonesia Coast Guard}}
The [[Indonesia Coast Guard]] or Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia is a maritime patrol and rescue on the [[Indonesia|Republic Indonesia]] territorial water.
===Ireland ===
{{Main article|Irish Coast Guard}}
The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) makes up one arm of the Maritime Safety Services, the other being the Maritime Safety Directorate. Both arms are due to merge into a new "one stop shop" agency for all maritime safety matters.
The purpose of the Irish Coast Guard is:
<blockquote>To reduce the loss of life within the Irish Search and Rescue Region and on rivers, lakes and waterways and to protect the quality of the marine environment within the Irish Pollution Responsibility Zone, Harbours and Maritime Local Authority areas and to preserve property.
To promote safety standards, and by doing so, prevent, as far as possible, the loss of life at sea and on inland waters and other areas, and to provide an effective emergency response service.</blockquote>
===Isle of Man===
{{Main article|Isle of Man Coastguard}}
The Isle of Man is a [[Crown dependencies|Crown dependency]] located in the [[Irish Sea]] between Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is not part of the United Kingdom, but historically relied upon the U.K. Coastguard. However, the U.K. Coastguard withdrew in 1988, and the [[Isle of Man Government]] formed its own Coastguard in 1989. Its key functions are coastal patrol, pollution control, and shore-based search and rescue. It also co-operates with other agencies as part of the Isle of Man Inland Search and Rescue Group. It maintains the Isle of Man's Marine Operations Centre (control room), but it has no aircraft, and contracts air-sea rescue to the U.K. Coastguard.
===Italy===
[[File:Piaggio P.166 DL 3 Italian Coast Guard.JPG|thumb|right|[[Piaggio P.166]] aircraft used by [[Guardia Costiera|Italian Coast Guard]].]]
{{Main article|Corps of the Port Captaincies – Coast Guard}}
In the [[Italy|Republic of Italy]], the ''[[Guardia Costiera]]'' is part of the [[Italian Navy]] under the [[Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport]]. They have responsibility for enforcement of shipping and maritime safety regulations, as well as performing search and rescue duties<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.genoashippingdinner.it/Interventi_Convegno/2003/Interventi/Stefanini%20-%20ICG/Directive%2095-21%20CE%20-%20PSC.pdf |title=Microsoft Word - Conferenza Ammiraglio.doc |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===Japan===
[[File:JapanCoastGuard Shikishima.jpg|thumb|right|Japan Coast Guard "[[Shikishima (PLH 31)]]" is the largest patrol vessel in the world.]]
{{main article|Japan Coast Guard}}
In [[Japan]], the [[Japan Coast Guard]] is under the oversight of the [[Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan)|Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism]], and is responsible for the protection the coast-lines and islands of Japan.
===Jersey===
{{main article|Jersey Coastguard}}
The Island of Jersey Coastguard is the coastguard service of the Government of Jersey, an independent Crown dependency located near to northern France. Its main responsibilities are safety at sea, maritime security and law enforcement, search and rescue services (with partner agencies), and protection of the marine environment. "Channel Islands AirSearch" works with the Coastguard service on search and rescue operations, and therefore the Coastguard does not maintain its own aircraft.
===South Korea===
[[File:Two Kamov Ka-32.JPEG|right|thumb|A [[Kamov Ka-32]] of the Republic of Korea Coast Guard.]]
[[File:ROK Coast Guard vessel 3006.jpg|right|thumb|Korea Coast Guard vessel is training with US Coast Guard.]]
[[File:Korea Coast Guard.png|right|thumb|Seal of Republic of Korea Coast Guard]]
{{main article|Republic of Korea Coast Guard}}
The [[Korea Coast Guard]] ({{lang-ko|해양경찰청}}; [[Hanja]]: 海洋警察廳, [[Revised Romanization]]: Haeyang-gyeongchal-cheong, Maritime Police Agency) is responsible for maritime safety and control off the coast of the Republic of Korea/South Korea. The KCG is an external branch of the R.O.K.'s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries during peacetime.
===Malaysia===
In [[Malaysia]], the [[Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)]] or [[Malaysia Coast Guard]] is part of the Malaysian Civil Service and is under the [[Prime Minister's Department]].
The Agency is headed by a[Director General] who is appointed by the [[Yang Di Pertuan Agong]] (King) on the advice of the [[Prime Minister]] while other personnel are appointed by the [[Public Service Commission (Malaysia)|Public Service Commission]].
In times of [[war]], crisis or emergency, the Agency may be placed under the command of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces. It was formed to combat the rise of piracy in the [[Strait of Malacca]] ("The Straits"). Personnel often work very closely with the [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] and [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]. The Coast Guard operates a Special Forces Commando or STAR (Special Task and Rescue) unit, which was absorbed from the Navy's [[PASKAL]] and Air Force's [[PASKAU]]. The agency utilizes its resources in a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue capacity.<ref>[http://www.mima.gov.my/mima/htmls/papers/pdf/mtaib/mmea.pdf ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709205223/http://www.mima.gov.my/mima/htmls/papers/pdf/mtaib/mmea.pdf |date=July 9, 2007 }}</ref>
===Mexico===
{{main article|Maritime Search and Rescue (Mexico)}}
The Maritime Search and Rescue (''Búsqueda y Rescate Marítimo'') is a unit of the [[Mexican Navy]]. Its primary mission is search and rescue operations within {{convert|50|mi}} of the Mexican coastline.
===Netherlands===
{{main article|Netherlands Coastguard}}
The Kingdom of The Netherlands Coastguard (''Nederlandse Kustwacht'') is a national organization responsible for various services along The Netherlands' ocean coastline (mainly search and rescue services).
===Caribbean Netherlands===
{{main article|Caribbean Coastguard (Netherlands)}}
The Dutch Caribbean Coastguard (''Kustwacht Caraïbisch Gebied'') is the coast guard of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean, providing search & rescue, and maritime law enforcement in [[Aruba]], [[Curaçao]], [[Sint Maarten]], Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and [[Saba]].
===New Zealand===
{{Main article|Royal New Zealand Coastguard}}
The [[Royal New Zealand Coastguard]] is a civilian volunteer charitable organisation,<ref>http://www.nzcoastguard.org.nz/]{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927205549/http://www.nzcoastguard.org.nz/ |date=September 27, 2014 }}</ref> providing search and rescue services to coastal waterways and some lakes in [[New Zealand]]. Smaller incidents are coordinated by the [[New Zealand Police]], who may call on the services and resources of the coastguard. Larger incidents are managed by the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), with support from the [[New Zealand Defence Force|Royal New Zealand Defence Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/publications/sar/whodoeswhat.pdf|format=PDF|title=NZ Search and Rescue – Who Does What?|date=June 2004|publisher=Maritime New Zealand|accessdate=2008-10-03}}</ref>
===Norway===
[[File:KV Nordkapp in the Adventfjord.jpg|thumb|Norwegian Coast Guard vessel [[Nordkapp class offshore patrol vessel|KV Nordkapp]] off [[Svalbard]]]]
{{Main article|Royal Norwegian Coast Guard}}
The [[Royal Norwegian Coast Guard]], or Kystvakten in Norwegian, is a part of the [[Royal Norwegian Navy]], but has separate vessels, many of which are purpose-built. Coast guard vessels have the prefix KV. Four of these vessels are capable of embarking one or more helicopters. Norway's exclusive economic zone, the Coast Guard's area of responsibility, is about 2.2 million square kilometers, one of the largest in Europe.
===Pakistan===
{{Main article|Pakistan Coast Guard|Maritime Security Agency}}
In [[Pakistan|Islamic Republic of Pakistan]], there are two units operated as Coast Guards—the [[Maritime Security Agency]] (MSA) under the [[Pakistan Navy]] and the [[Pakistan Coast Guard]]. The MSA is a military force operated by the Navy under the direction of Ministry of Defence in its right. The Pakistani Coast Guard are placed under the Pakistan Army and has responsibilities for protecting coastal and shores of Karachi while the MSA has entire area of responsibility of the Republic of Pakistan's coastlines in terms of strategic security, as well as law enforcement within the country's [[exclusive economic zone]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/3924-coast-guard-stepping-out-navys-shadow.html |title=Coast Guard stepping out of Navy's shadow |publisher=Defence.pk |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===Peru===
{{Main article|Peruvian Coast Guard}}
===Philippines===
{{Main article|Philippine Coast Guard}}
In the [[Philippines|Republic of the Philippines]], the [[Philippine Coast Guard]] (PCG) is a maritime law enforcement agency operating under the [[Department of Transportation and Communications|Department of Transportation]] of the Republic of the Philippines government. It is tasked with the broader enforcement of maritime laws, especially against [[smuggling]], [[illegal fishing]], [[drug trafficking]], and [[piracy]]. It patrols the country's 36,289-kilometer coastline and hundreds of islands, and is also involved in maritime [[search and rescue]] (SAR) missions, as well as the protection of the marine environment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coastguard.gov.ph/ |title=Philippine Coast Guard |publisher=Coastguard.gov.ph |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===Poland===
In [[Poland]], the law enforcement coast guard role is performed by the Maritime Branch of the Polish Border Guard (Morski Oddział Straży Granicznej). It is part of the [[Border Guard (Poland)]]. [[Search and Rescue]] (SAR) role of coast guard is performed by Maritime Search and Rescue Service ([[Morska Służba Poszukiwania i Ratownictwa]]).
===Portugal===
{{Main article|Maritime Authority System}}
[[File:NRP Centauro P1155.JPG|thumb|right|A Portuguese Navy's [[Centauro-class fiscalization boat|''Centauro''-class patrol boat]], one its assets employed in the coast guard role under the Portuguese National Maritime Authority.]]
In [[Portugal]], the coast guard role is performed by several government agencies that, together, form the ''Sistema de Autoridade Marítima'' (Maritime Authority System) or SAM. The SAM includes the [[Portuguese Navy]], the [[Portuguese National Republican Guard|National Republican Guard (GNR)]], the [[Portuguese Air Force]], the [[Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras|Border and Immigration Service (SEF)]], the Civil Protection Authority, the National Medical Emergency Institute and the [[Polícia Judiciária|Criminal Investigation Police (PJ)]].
The ''Autoridade Marítima Nacional'' (National Maritime Authority) or AMN is the branch of the Portuguese Navy responsible for its coast guard role. The function of AMN is performed by the Chief of Staff of the Navy himself, supported in this role by the Directorate of the Maritime Authority, which includes the Maritime Police, the Lifeguard Institute, the Lighthouse Department and the several [[harbourmaster]]s. Besides the specific assets of the Directorate of Maritime Authority entirely dedicated to the coast guard role, the AMN also has at its disposal the other Portuguese Navy's assets that can be used both for military and public service missions.
The vessels operated within the SAM include the Maritime Police patrol boats, the Lifeguard Institute lifeboats, the harbourmasters harbour boats, the GNR Coastal Control Unit' surveillance boats and the Portuguese Navy's naval ships. The aircraft operated within the SAM include fixed-wing aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force and helicopters from the Navy, the Air Force and the Civil Protection Authority.
===Russia===
[[File:Russian Border Guard vessel Vorovskiy in Seattle (cropped).jpg|thumb|Russian Border Guard vessel Vorovskiy in [[Seattle]]]]
{{Main article|Russian FSB Coast Guard}}
[[Russian FSB Coast Guard|Russia's Coast Guard]] (Береговая охрана России) operates under the auspices of the [[Border Guard Service of Russia]] (itself a branch of the [[Federal Security Service (Russia)|FSB]] Federal Security Service). Its remit encompasses the twelve-mile limit of all Russian territorial and coastal waters and, being equipped with frigates, corvettes, fast patrol boats, hydrofoils, helicopters, and light aircraft, it has considerable combat capability on behalf of the continent-wide Russian Federation.
For inland waters operations Russia has the [[National Guard Naval Service Corps]], established in 1978, while inland waters SAR operations are also under the purview of the [[Ministry of Emergency Situations (Russia)|Ministry of Emergency Situations]].
===Singapore===
{{Main article|Police Coast Guard}}
[[File:Police Coast Guard PT.jpg|thumb|right|A third generation Patrol Craft of the [[Police Coast Guard]] conducting a sea-rescue demonstration off the southeastern coast of [[Singapore]].]]
In [[Singapore]], the [[Police Coast Guard]] (PCG) is an operational department of the [[Singapore Police Force]]. Functions of the coast guard were transferred from the Republic of Singapore Navy to what was then the [[Police Coast Guard|Marine Police]] in February 1993.<ref>[http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resources/speeches/1998/18apr98_speech.html] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026122631/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resources/speeches/1998/18apr98_speech.html |date=October 26, 2007 }}</ref> The Marine Police was thus restructured and renamed as the Police Coast Guard, one of the few [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]] organizations in the world to combine water policing and coast guard duties while remaining as a policing unit. It operates primarily as a law enforcement agency, with secondary responsibilities in search and rescue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spf.gov.sg/abtspf/pcg.htm#dept |title=Singapore Police Force - About Us |publisher=Spf.gov.sg |date=1993-02-13 |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===Spain===
[[File:Salvamento Maritimo CASA CN-235-300 EC-KEL.jpg|thumb|A CASA CN-235-300 MP Persuader of Spain's [[Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima]]]]
The Kingdom of Spain operates several coast guard agencies.
The ''[[Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima]]'', also known as Salvamento Marítimo, or by its acronym SASEMAR, is the body in charge of maritime traffic control, safety and rescue operations, as well as protection of the maritime environment, but lacks any law enforcement responsibilities. The agency runs 20 rescue coordination centers (RCC), employs a staff of 1500 and operates a fleet of 19 vessels, 54 boats, 8 helicopters and 4 aircraft.
Border protection functions in the Kingdom of Spain are carried out by the ''[[Servicio Marítimo de la Guardia Civil]]'', with a staff of 1100 and a fleet of 67 patrol vessels and speedboats. Maritime customs functions are the responsibility of the ''[[Servicio de Vigilancia Aduanera]]'' with 13 aircraft and a surface fleet of 2 high seas cutters; 18 high speed patrol vessels; and 21 medium-sized and smaller patrol vessels.
''Salvamento Marítimo'' operates in the four international SAR areas assigned to Spain: Atlántico, Canarias, Estrecho and Mediterráneo, covering a combined extension of 1.5 million square kilometers. During a maritime emergency, Salvamento Marítimo is responsible for the coordination of other possible responders, like the [[Spanish Navy]] or the ''[[Servicio Aéreo de Rescate]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=7EB5FB2927D61F00C12570DD0042AC2F&idRef=10484C96F3C0F26BC1257459002698E5 |title=Ejército del aire. Jefatura del Servicio de Búsqueda y Salvamento Aéreo (JESAR) |publisher=Ejercitodelaire.mde.es |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref> that comprises squadrons 801, 802 and 803 of the [[Spanish Air Force]]. Coordination on land, sea and air are made with the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO), and cooperative [[European Union]]
====Galicia====
The [[autonomous communities of Spain|autonomous community]] of [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] has its own separate coast guard service, the ''Servizo de Gardacostas de Galicia'' or simply ''Gardacostas de Galicia''. It is the [[Xunta de Galicia|Galician Government]] agency responsible for coastal and fisheries surveillance; maritime search and rescue; and protection of the sea environment. The ''Gardacostas de Galicia'' operates a fleet of more than 20 vessels and three helicopters, from the bases of [[Viveiro]], [[Ferrol, Galicia|Ferrol]], [[A Coruña]], [[Muxía]], [[Porto do Son]], [[Ribeira, Galicia|Ribeira]], [[Vilagarcía de Arousa]], [[Pontevedra]] and [[Vigo]].
The ''Gardacostas de Galicia'' was created in 2004, by the amalgamation of the former ''Servizo de Vixilancia Pesqueira'' (Galician Fisheries Surveillance Service) and the ''Servizo de Busca e Salvamento'' (Galician Search and Rescue Service).
===Sri Lanka===
{{Main article|Sri Lanka Coast Guard}}
In [[Sri Lanka]], until 2009 a Coast Guard Unit existed under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, responsible for fishery and natural resource protection coastal areas. A new [[Department of Coast Guard]] was created under the ''Department of Coast Guard Bill'' presented to parliament in 2009. The department would be under the purview of the [[Ministry of Defense (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defense]] and be staffed by civilian personal. The department's responsibilities include [[search and rescue]], [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]] within the country's [[Exclusive economic zone]], conducting anti-smuggling and anti-immigration operations, suppression of terrorist activities in territorial waters of Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sundaytimes.lk/090705/News/sundaytimesnews_12.html |title=Coastguard to get sweeping powers |publisher=Sundaytimes.lk |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===Sweden===
{{Main article|Coast Guard (Sweden)}}
[[File:Sjöfyllerikontroll.JPG|thumb|right|Swedish coast guard conducting alcohol test.]]
The [[Coast Guard (Sweden)|Royal Swedish Coast Guard]] (Swedish: Kustbevakningen) is a Swedish civilian government agency with combination of police tasks, border control, maritime rescue and environmental control. Coast Guard officers carries the same equipment and similar uniforms to regular Swedish police officers.
Tasks:
* maritime surveillance and other control and inspection tasks as well as environmental cleanup after oil spills at sea
* co-ordinate the civilian needs for maritime surveillance and maritime information
* follow international development within the field and take part in international efforts to establish border controls, law enforcement at sea, environmental protection at sea and other maritime surveillance tasks.
The Royal Swedish Coast Guard carries out some of its surveillance by air (from its base in Skavsta near Stockholm), and some on ice and snow (from its Luleå station). It also has marine duties in Lake Vänern, Europe's third largest lake, operating out of Vänersborg.
===Taiwan (Republic of China)===
{{Main article|Coast Guard Administration (Taiwan)}}
[[File:CG-119, Maritime Patrol Directorate General Coast Guard Administration.JPG|thumb|275px|[[Coast Guard Administration]] (Taiwan) patrol vessel]]
In the [[Republic of China]] government, on the island of [[Taiwan]], the [[Coast Guard Administration (Republic of China)|Coast Guard Administration (Republic of China), [ROCCGA]]] is both a [[military]] and a [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]] organization. The ROCCGA is considered a civilian law enforcement agency under the administration of the [[Executive Yuan]], though during wartime it may be incorporated as part of the [[ROC military]]. Its primary roles are in ensuring the safety and security of the Republic/island's waters and coordinating search and rescue efforts.<ref>[http://www.cga.gov.tw/EN/] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104133640/http://www.cga.gov.tw/EN/ |date=January 4, 2010 }}</ref>
ROCCGA is instituted a Maritime Patrol Directorate General and a Coast Patrol Directorate General. Officers of the Maritime Patrol Directorate General are law executors, but officers of the Coast Patrol Directorate General are considered soldiers who have partial law-enforcement power.
===Trinidad and Tobago===
The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) is the maritime division of the [[Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force]]. It is within the government portfolio of the Ministry of National Security. The Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard reports to the Chief of Defence Staff. The TTCG is responsible surveillance, search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, pollution enforcement, and counter-narcotics operations for maritime jurisdiction of Trinidad and Tobago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ttdf.mil.tt/ttcg/|title=Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard}}</ref>
===Turkey===
{{Main article|Turkish Coast Guard}}
[[File:Turkish Coast Guard.jpg|thumb|275px|Patrol boat of the Turkish Coast Guard.]]
The Turkish Coast Guard of the Republic of Turkey ({{lang-tr|Sahil Güvenlik Komutanlığı}}) is a branch of the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] and was initially founded in 1859. During peace time, it is under the command of the [[Ministry of the Interior (Turkey)|Ministry of Interior]]. However, during war or emergency time, it falls under the command of the [[Turkish Navy]]. On July 13, 1982, it was assigned to the [[Turkish Gendarmerie]] becoming both a military and a law enforcement service. Finally, the organization obtained its current form on January 1, 1985.<ref name="sgk">{{cite web |url=http://www.sgk.tsk.tr/baskanliklar/genel_sekreterlik/ingilizce/hist.asp |publisher=Turkish Coast Guard Command |title=History of Turkish Coast Guard Command |accessdate=2013-05-25 }}</ref>
The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcement of Turkish maritime law and controlling of the Republic of Turkey's coasts in the responsibility area. It is also the main search and rescue coordination authority for the Turkish coastal zone. The Coast Guard consists of four area commands, as the [[Black Sea]], the [[Sea of Marmara]] and adjacent [[Turkish Straits|straits]], the [[Aegean Sea]], and the [[Mediterranean Sea]].<ref name="sgk"/>
The Turkish Coast Guard maintains a fleet of coastal patrol ships and small craft, as well as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sgk.tsk.tr/baskanliklar/harekat/platformlar/platforms.asp |publisher=Turkish Coast Guard Command |title=Platforms |accessdate=2013-05-25 }}</ref>
===Ukraine===
[[File:BG57 Patrol boat 2012 G2.jpg|thumbnail|[[Stenka-class patrol boat]] BG57 ''Mykolaiv'']]
{{Main article|Ukrainian Sea Guard}}
Ukrainian Sea Guard is the coast guard service of Ukraine, subordinated to its Border Guard Service, the local successor of the Soviet Border Troops Naval Units that have been similarly responsible for coast guard tasks. However, there were some interchanges in units, ships and personnel between Sea Guard and the Ukrainian Navy. Operates four sea guard detachment; a sea guard cutters division in Mariupol; a special-purpose sea guard cutters division in Yalta; and a riverine Dnieper sea guard cutters division in Kiev. Sea guard administration is split between the Azov-Black seas regional administration in Simferopol and the Southern regional administration in Odessa.
Service persons of the Sea Guard wear either the black uniform similar to Ukrainian Navy, but decorated with some green elements (traditional for border guard), or a common uniform of the Border Guard.
===United Kingdom===
{{Main article|Her Majesty's Coastguard}}
In the [[United Kingdom]], [[Her Majesty's Coastguard]] is purely concerned with [[search and rescue]]. It has no role in the maintenance of [[seamark]]s which is instead the responsibility of [[Trinity House]], the [[Northern Lighthouse Board]] (in Scotland) and the [[Commissioners of Irish Lights]] (in Northern Ireland), nor has it any concern with customs enforcement, which is the responsibility of the [[Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs]].
HM Coastguard does not possess many of its own lifeboats but does have several MCA Falcons which are a type of lifeboat that are used in areas that might not necessarily have a lifeboat provided by the volunteer [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]] or other Independent Units, although it often [[wet lease]]s commercial helicopters—mainly [[Sikorsky S-92]]s and [[AgustaWestland AW139]]s—and tugs to provide search and rescue cover in certain areas. It does, however, maintain a number of search, cliff and mud rescue teams as well as some inshore rescue boats and is a coordinating body and public face for the maritime search and rescue services. It is part of the [[Maritime and Coastguard Agency]], which in itself is an [[executive agency]] of the [[department for transport]]. Cooperation is made with the [[Royal Navy]], the [[Royal Air Force]] and the all volunteer National Coastwatch Institution, which mans many of the vacated former Coastguard Watch-houses along the coast.
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Girvan Coastguard station.JPG|HM Coastguard station at Girvan Scotland.
File:Coastguardhelicopter.jpg|AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter
</gallery>
====Scotland====
{{Main article|Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency}}
The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) is responsible for both deterring illegal fishing in Scottish waters, as well as monitoring the compliance of the fisheries industry in Scotland with the relevant Scottish and European Union laws on fisheries.
===United States===
{{Main article|United States Coast Guard}}
[[File:CGMark W.png|thumb|USCG racing stripe]]
[[File:Coast Guard Boat in Morro Bay.jpg|thumb|US Coast Guard [[47-foot Motor Lifeboat]] in [[Morro Bay]], 2009.]]
Formed in 1915 by the merger of the [[Revenue Cutter Service]] (est. 1790) and the [[Lifesaving Service]] (est. 1848), and later absorbing other federal agencies, the [[United States Coast Guard|U.S. Coast Guard]] (USCG) is a [[military]] service, a [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]] agency, and regulatory agency. It is one of the seven [[uniformed services of the United States]] and one of the five services of the [[United States Armed Forces]]. Its role includes enforcement of U.S. maritime law, coastal defense, search and rescue, environmental protection, and regulation of maritime industries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/top/missions/ |title=USCG: About Us |publisher=Uscg.mil |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
During [[peacetime]] the USCG falls under the administration of the [[United States Department of Homeland Security]] (previously the [[United States Department of Transportation|U.S. Department of Transportation]], 1967–2003, and the [[United States Department of the Treasury]], 1915–1967). During [[war]]time, the USCG may, at the direction of the [[President of the United States]], report to the [[U.S. Secretary of the Navy|Secretary of the Navy]]; its resources, however, are integrated into U.S. military operations in wartime (see {{USC|14|3|4}}).
The USCG maintains an extensive fleet of coastal and ocean-going patrol ships, called [[Cutter (boat)|cutters]] by tradition, and small craft, as well as an extensive aviation division consisting of [[HH-65 Dolphin]] and [[MH-60 Jayhawk]] helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft such as the [[C-130 Hercules]], [[HU-25 Falcon|HU-25 Guardian]], and [[HC-144 Ocean Sentry]]. USCG helicopters are equipped with hoists to rescue survivors and also play a major role in law enforcement. The helicopters are able to land and take off from USCG cutters, making them an indispensable tool in fighting illegal drug traffic and the influx of illegal immigrants. The fixed-wing aircraft are used for long range search and rescue and law enforcement patrols. A construction and repair shipyard has been maintained since 1899 in the [[Baltimore]] Harbor area at [[Curtis Bay, Baltimore|Curtis Bay]], [[United States Coast Guard Yard|United States Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay, Maryland]]
Today's lighthouses on the American coasts are all maintained by the [[U.S. Coast Guard]], from the previous old U.S. Lighthouse Service. The list of active light houses, lighted beacons, etc. that provide detailed information on aids to navigation with their locations and characteristic signals is currently maintained by the [[U.S. Coast Guard]] in its '''[[Light List]]''' issued each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lightLists/LightList%20V6.pdf |title=Microsoft Word - V6FrontCG54131-1-5-09.doc |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref>
===Uruguay===
In the [[Uruguay|Republic of Uruguay]], the Coast Guard (Prefectura Nacional Naval-PRENA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armada.mil.uy/prena/index.html |title=:: Armada Nacional :: webSite :: |publisher=Armada.mil.uy |date=2009-06-08 |accessdate=2012-11-09}}</ref> is a part of the Navy. It is tasked with the broader enforcement of maritime laws, especially against smuggling, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy. It patrols the country's coastline, and is also involved in maritime search and rescue (SAR) missions, as well as the protection of the marine environment.
The Uruguayan Coast Guard also frequently patrols coast areas via-foot and on patrol vehicles which they are assigned jurisdictions which are called Subprefecturas. Prefectura is also responsible for the International Port of Montevideo operability.
Even though the Uruguayan Coast guard is a Military Organization they frequently help out law enforcement agencies.
It must also maintain the safety of navigation and be a maritime authority on rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, The River Plate and lakes in the jurisdiction of the Navy and intervene in the flagging of vessels.
In 2015, there are plans for the Uruguayan Coast Guard to pass and depend entirely on the Ministry of Interior, meaning it would not be a military unit anymore.
===Vietnam===
{{Main article|Vietnam Coast Guard}}
[[Vietnam Coast Guard]] (Bộ Tư Lệnh Cảnh Sát Biển Việt Nam) is part of [[Ministry of Defence (Vietnam)]], and it patrols and controls in accordance with the laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and international treaties concerned such as the [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]] (UNCLOS). Besides maritime search and rescue (SAR) missions, Vietnam Coast Guard missions include protection the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the waters of Vietnam; protection of natural resources; prevention of environmental pollution; detection and prevention of acts of smuggling, piracy and illegal transportation and trafficking of illegal narcotics or precursors.
==See also==
* [[Chief Coastguard]]
* [[Maritime Security Regimes]]
* [[Port security]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Coast Guards}}
* [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/digital-microfilm.asp Download records of service of the UK Coastguard 1816-1947]
{{Coast guards}}
{{military branches}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Coast Guard}}
[[Category:Coast guards| ]]' |
