Page "Coast guard" Paragraph 11

The coast guard may, varying by jurisdiction, be part of the country's military, a law enforcement agency, or a search and rescue body.

For example, the U. S. Coast Guard is a military branch with a law enforcement capacity, whereas the United Kingdom's Her Majesty's Coastguard is a civilian organisation whose only role is search and rescue.

Most coast guards operate ships and aircraft including helicopters and seaplanes that are either owned or leased by the agency in order to fulfill their respective roles.