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Rescue 21

“Installation of Rescue 21 across the nation represents a quantum leap forward in command, control and communications. By closing coastal coverage gaps and capturing more accurate data from radio transmissions, the system offers an essential tool in maritime security, search and rescue and marine environmental protection.”
— Admiral Thad W. Allen, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

Rescue 21 is standing the watch across 20,537 miles of coastline.

Rescue 21 is the United States Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and communications system. Created to improve the ability to assist mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea, the system is currently being installed in stages across the United States.
Learn more about Rescue 21 >>

Status

The Coast Guard recently announced acceptance of Rescue 21 at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, bringing total system deployment to 12 regions. Rescue 21 coverage is scheduled to expand rapidly throughout 2008, to include coverage in Florida, the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf Coast, and the Pacific Northwest. Approximately one Sector a month is scheduled to become operational until November 2008. The deployment of the Rescue 21 system will continue over the next several years, ultimately extending coverage to all U.S. coastal waters, overseas islands (Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico), the Great Lakes and Alaska. Implementation Schedule >>

Recent News Releases

Rescue 21: Coast Guard Confirms Hoax Call

Coast Guard Sector Seattle received two distress calls via VHF channel 16 from a 7-year-old boy in Maple Valley, Wash., Sunday. In the first call, received at noon, the boy stated that he was drowning. At 6 p.m. he made a second call saying his boat had a hole in it and was sinking. Read more>

Coast Guard, Commercial Salvage Company Save Parents, 16-year-old Daughter Radios for Help

July 3, 2008 - The Coast Guard received a call from Cary Skrzat, the couple's 16-year-old daughter, at 2:11 p.m. today reporting that her parents had fallen off their 25-foot boat and had drifted out of sight. The couple's four children remained aboard the boat. Read more>>

Vessel Sinking! Lives Saved! Case Closed!

June 19, 2008 - The Coast Guard First District Command Center, Boston, received recreational boat Canyon Bound’s 406 megahertz EPIRB, emergency distress electronic beacon signal via a SARSAT satellite. Coast Guard Sectors Long Island Sound, Delaware Bay and New York also received “Mayday” calls stating the vessel was taking on water. All Coast Guard Sectors issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast informing mariners of an imminent Search and Rescue (SAR) event. Read more>>