Search and Rescue (SAR)

The Coast Guard has been given the specific statutory authority for developing, maintaining, and operating rescue facilities and for rendering aid to distressed persons and property (i.e. personnel, ships and aircraft, both military and civil) on, over, and under the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The Coast Guard may render aid to persons and property at any time and location in which Coast Guard facilities and personnel are available and can be effectively utilized. In carrying out its search and rescue function, the Coast Guard may utilize the facilities and personnel of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in performing SAR missions.

Marine Safety and Marine Environmental Protection

Marine Safety and Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) are two key Coast Guard programs. The principal objectives of the MEP program are to:

           a. minimize damage caused by pollutants released into navigable waters,
           b. overcome or reduce threats to the marine environment caused by
               potential  spills of oil or other hazardous substances, and
           c. assist in national and international pollution response planning.

Auxiliary Air Operations facilities and personnel can be of material assistance to the MSO's when responding to the first two objectives above and should be included as potential assets in response planning.

Aids to Navigation (ATON)

The Aids to Navigation (ATON) program helps to insure the safety, security and efficiency of the maritime transportation infrastructure. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides assistance to the Coast Guard (and other concerned federal agencies) in myriad ways, including reporting discrepant aids to navigation, verifying private aids, and submitting chart corrections/updates. The ATON program is particularly demanding of specialized expertise and detailed local knowledge. Pilots and (particularly) observers seeking to employ aircraft in support of the ATON and chart updating programs should be thoroughly familiar with applicable guidance documents and district policy.