The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the federal agency responsible for all maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations in U.S. waters and on the high seas

. It is one of the Coast Guard’s core and best-known missions. 

The Coast Guard SAR Program

• Primary Goal: To prevent the loss of life, minimize injury and property damage in the maritime environment. The service saves thousands of lives and millions of dollars in property annually.
• Coordination: The USCG operates a network of rescue coordination centers (RCCs) that manage responses to distress calls. It coordinates with other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as international partners.
• Resources: SAR operations involve a combination of cutters, boats, and aircraft (both helicopters and fixed-wing) to locate people in danger and return them to safety.
• No Charge: The Coast Guard does not charge for its search and rescue services. 

In an Emergency

If you are in distress in a maritime environment, the Coast Guard can be contacted immediately. 

• VHF-FM Radio: Make sure your radio is on, select channel 16, press the transmit button, and clearly say “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY”.
• Provide Information: Be prepared to provide your vessel’s name/description, position/location, the nature of the emergency, and the number of people on board.
• Other Methods: The USCG also uses the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) program, which relies on emergency beacons (EPIRBs, PLBs, ELTs) to quickly determine your location. 

Safety and Prevention

The Coast Guard emphasizes prevention through safety programs and regulations. Mariners are strongly encouraged to use a float plan, which provides vital information to rescue personnel in case of an emergency. Information on the float plan and other safety practices is available from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

The U.S. Coast Guard coordinates with 

a wide array of agencies at the federal, state, local, and international levels during search and rescue (SAR) missions, as part of the National Search and Rescue Committee (NSARC) framework. The specific partners depend on the nature and location of the incident. 

Federal Agencies

The USCG works closely with various U.S. government departments and agencies: 

• U.S. Air Force (USAF): The USAF is the federal agency responsible for coordinating inland SAR in the contiguous United States via its Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC). The USCG and USAF jointly operate the National Search and Rescue School.
• Department of Defense (DOD) / U.S. Navy: DOD assets, including the Navy, can be called upon to provide assistance and resources when needed, particularly in large-scale incidents or remote areas.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA is a key partner in the U.S. Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) program, which uses emergency beacons to locate people in distress.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA coordinates the national Urban Search and Rescue Response System, which the USCG may coordinate with during natural disasters or mass rescue operations.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): NASA contributes to the development and operation of search and rescue technology, particularly through the SARSAT program.
• Department of the Interior (DOI): Agencies such as the National Park Service may coordinate with the USCG for SAR operations in or around coastal park areas.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA shares information and coordinates on cases involving aircraft in distress. 

State, Local, and Volunteer Organizations

The USCG frequently partners with non-federal entities who provide critical local knowledge and immediate response capabilities: 

• State and Local Law Enforcement: This includes state marine patrols, sheriffs’ offices, and local police and fire departments.
• Volunteer Organizations: The Coast Guard Auxiliary assists in many missions, including SAR support and public education. Other groups include the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). 

International Partners

Given that maritime SAR often extends to international waters, the USCG coordinates with foreign counterparts through international agreements and organizations: 

• Neighboring Nations: The USCG conducts joint exercises and operations with agencies like the Canadian Coast Guard and the Mexican Navy.
• International Maritime Organization (IMO) and others: The USCG participates in international forums to standardize and coordinate global SAR policies and procedures. The Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system uses commercial ships worldwide to assist in rescues on the high seas.