Search and Rescue

Search and Rescue (SAR) is one of the Coast Guard's oldest missions.  Minimizing the loss of life, injury, property damage or loss by rendering aid to persons in distress and property in the maritime environment has always been a Coast Guard priority.  Coast Guard SAR response involves multi-mission stations, cutters, aircraft and boats linked by communications networks.  The National SAR Plan divides the U.S. area of SAR responsibility into internationally recognized inland and maritime SAR regions. The Coast Guard is the Maritime SAR Coordinator.  To meet this responsibility, the Coast Guard maintains SAR facilities on the East, West and Gulf coasts; in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as on the Great Lakes and inland U.S. waterways.  Contact numbers for the USCG Rescue Coordination Centers (RCC) are listed in the table below. Ships should contact the nearest RCC to request USCG assistance with medical evacuations.