The United States Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling the nation’s waterways to ensure the safety of all those who use them. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, the Coast Guard’s patrol range covers a vast expanse of territory.
The Coast Guard’s patrol range includes the navigable waters around the United States, which includes over 95,000 miles of shoreline and 3.4 million square miles of ocean waters. This extensive coverage area includes all of the United States’ territorial waters, as well as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 miles off the coast.
Within this patrol range, the Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing federal laws and regulations, including those related to marine safety, navigation, and environmental protection. This includes conducting search and rescue efforts, ensuring the safety of commercial vessels, monitoring and enforcing fishing regulations, and responding to environmental threats such as oil spills.
The Coast Guard’s patrol range also includes the Great Lakes, which are subject to a unique set of regulations due to their size and location. The Coast Guard works closely with local authorities, such as the Canadian Coast Guard, to ensure the safety and security of these important waterways.
In addition to its on-water presence, the Coast Guard also has aerial assets such as planes and helicopters that can cover large areas quickly and efficiently. These assets are often used for surveillance and search and rescue operations.
The Coast Guard patrols its range using a combination of cutters (vessels), boats, helicopters, and airplanes. These assets are strategically positioned throughout the patrol range to ensure maximum coverage and response time.
Overall, the Coast Guard’s patrol range is extensive and covers a vast expanse of water. This allows the Coast Guard to fulfill its crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s marine transportation system and natural resources, and ensuring the safety and security of those who use these waters.