U.S. Coast Guard sector commands, stations, and marine safety offices are positioned along America's coasts, Great Lakes, and navigable inland waterways to protect maritime commerce, enforce federal law, and respond to emergencies at sea.
There are 52 states with Coast Guard locations across the United States. The Coast Guard is unique among the armed services in that it serves simultaneously as a military branch and a federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over U.S. navigable waters.
Coast Guard in the United States
Browsing by state allows mariners, boaters, and coastal residents to locate their nearest Coast Guard sector or station for reporting emergencies, vessel documentation, mariner licensing, and boating safety resources.
Common Services
- Search and rescue coordination and distress response
- Merchant mariner credentialing and vessel documentation
- Boating safety courses and recreational vessel inspections
- Marine environmental protection and oil spill reporting
Tip: Mariners should monitor VHF Marine Radio Channel 16 at all times on the water — it is the international distress and calling channel monitored by the Coast Guard.
For official information, visit United States Coast Guard Official Website.
About Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. Regional operations are organized into Districts and Sectors, each responsible for specific geographic areas covering coastline, ports, and waterways.
Common Services
- Vessel safety inspections and documentation renewals
- Merchant mariner credential applications and renewals
- Port safety, security enforcement, and aids to navigation
- Drug and migrant interdiction on U.S. waterways
Boaters and maritime professionals should register their vessels and maintain required safety equipment as specified by Coast Guard regulations. For maritime emergencies, call the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or dial 911.
For official information, visit United States Coast Guard Official Website.