comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 5 – Mission Types
Description and Authority
B.1. Description
Boat unit responsibilities, organization, and operations in regards to
search and rescue missions include:
(01) Maintaining assigned craft in a readiness condition to respond to
SAR missions.
(02) Maintaining trained crews to respond to SAR missions.
(03) Exercising command and control of SAR missions.
(04) Conducting SAR missions in accordance with established Coast
Guard instructions.
(05) Evaluating mission risk to ensure Coast Guard personnel are not
unduly put in harm’s way.
B.2. Authority The Coast Guard is authorized by Sections 2, 88, and 141 of Title 14
U.S.C. to:
(01) Develop, establish, maintain, and operate search and rescue
facilities.
(02) Perform any and all acts necessary to rescue and aid persons.
(03) To protect and save property at any time and at any place where
its facilities and personnel are available and can be effectively
used.
It is important to note that the law authorizes the Coast Guard to
undertake SAR missions, but, because of the critical importance of
evaluating each mission and risk individually, the law does not compel
the Coast Guard to undertake any particular mission.
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