The United States Coast Guard is the maritime law enforcement agency responsible for safeguarding the maritime safety of its people and protecting its waterways as well as the marine environment. The Coast Guard operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is divided into various operating districts across the country. But,?
The Coast Guard patrols the entire coastline of the United States, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and even up to the Great Lakes. The Coast Guard also has presence in US territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The Coast Guard is responsible for law enforcement and search and rescue operations within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline.
The 200 nautical mile limit is known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ is an area where a coastal country has special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources, including fishing and oil and gas exploration. It also extends to activities that could impact the marine environment, such as dredging and dumping.
Beyond the EEZ, the Coast Guard is still responsible for maritime security and safety operations, but they may work in conjunction with international partners and other government agencies. For example, the Coast Guard often coordinates with the U.S. Navy and other countries’ navies to conduct security patrols in waters where piracy or other maritime threats are a concern.
The Coast Guard also operates cutters and boats that provide a visible presence on the water, including fisheries enforcement patrols and recreational boating safety checks. They also work with Coast Guard Auxiliary members who volunteer their services to assist with boating safety classes, vessel safety checks, and search and rescue operations.
The United States Coast Guard patrols within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline, known as the Exclusive Economic Zone, where they have special rights and responsibility over marine resources and related activities. Beyond that, the Coast Guard is still responsible for maritime security and safety operations, but may work with partners and other agencies to do so. The Coast Guard is committed to protecting U.S. waters and ensuring safety for all who enjoy them.