A coast guard is an organization devoted to saving the lives of shipwrecked mariners or people in danger at sea. In some countries it is part of the military. In other countries it is a civilian or even volunteer organization. Most coast guards operate ships and aircraft including helicopters and seaplanes for this purpose.

Coast guards also enforce maritime law, maintain aids to navigation such as beacons and buoys, and provide other services for the benefit of mariners. Most coast guards are run on military lines and serve as an auxiliary to the national navy. During wartime coast guards are responsible for harbour defense, port security, naval counterintelligence and coastal patrols.

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	HM Coastguard History (3442 words) Coastguards were expected to read/send 18 words per minute with semaphore flags and 10 with a flashing lamp, the new acetylene fuel extended visibility to 12 miles. Satellite communications enable Coastguards to hear the distress calls of seafarers and coastal users who less than a hundred years ago would have hoped in vain that their feeble flares or cries might be seen or heard. The history of HM Coastguard is on show at a Coastguard Museum in Bridlington and, in the North East, there are Volunteer Life Brigades, which welcome visitors to their watch houses. Coastguard - Isle of Man Harbours Website (492 words) The Isle of Man Coastguard was formed in 1989 in response to the withdrawal of the HM Coastguard and the closure of its co-ordination centre in Ramsey. All Coastguard units are fully equipped with vehicles and a range of coastal and inshore rescue equipment. The Coastguard service consists of people from the community, many with maritime interests, willing to give up their free time to train and be on stand-by to help others when the need arises.
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