Legal Definitions - United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard is a military service and armed-forces branch that enforces federal laws on waters under U.S. jurisdiction. It also administers laws and regulations for the safety of lives and property on these waters, performs maritime rescue operations, and conducts oceanographic research. At times, it serves as a specialized branch of the Navy.

The Coast Guard was established in 1915 and has been part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Today, it is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and the U.S. Department of Defense during wartime. It is abbreviated as USCG.

For example, the Coast Guard may be called upon to rescue people stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean or to enforce laws related to fishing in U.S. waters. During times of war, the Coast Guard may work alongside the Navy to protect U.S. ports and waterways from enemy threats.