Daily Dose of History – U.S.A. Coast Guard Birthday

January 28, 1915 – The Creation of the U.S. Coast Guard

On January 28, 1915, the United States Congress enacted the Coast Guard Act, a significant piece of legislation to enhance maritime safety and law enforcement. This act arose from an increasing demand for a coordinated response to maritime emergencies and the enforcement of maritime laws. Prior to its passage, the United States maintained two separate agencies: the Revenue Cutter Service, which was responsible for customs enforcement and search and rescue operations, and the Life-Saving Service, which focused specifically on rescuing individuals in distress at sea. The Coast Guard Act merged these two services into a single entity, the United States Coast Guard, thereby creating a more efficient and effective organization dedicated to protecting American waters, ensuring navigation safety, and providing assistance during maritime emergencies. The formation of the Coast Guard marked a pivotal moment in U.S. maritime policy, establishing a lasting legacy in maritime law enforcement and humanitarian efforts.

What was in the Coast Guard Act?

Some of the key provisions of the Coast Guard Act were:

• Creation of the Coast Guard: The act combined the two services into a single entity, the United States Coast Guard, under the Department of the Treasury.
• Duties and Responsibilities: The new service inherited the missions of its predecessors, including law enforcement to combat smuggling and enforce customs laws, search and rescue operations to save shipwrecked mariners and passengers, and maintaining navigational aids to ensure safe navigation along U.S. coastlines.

Today, the Coast Guard continues to serve with unwavering dedication, upholding its motto “Semper Paratus” (“Always Ready”), which reflects its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s waters and saving lives.