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 over 28,000 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.
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Status

Rescue 21 formally accepted at Sector North Carolina in June.

Implementation Schedule >>

Recent News Releases

Coast Guard Compass: Putting the SEARCH in Search and Rescue

Let’s go back in time, to the mid-1800s, on the sparsely populated east coast. You are wearing the uniform of a surfman, assigned to a U.S. Life Saving Service station in New Jersey. It’s about 2 a.m. and winter is loosening its grip on the mid-Atlantic state. Read more>>

Coast Guard's Rescue 21 System Helps Rescue Two Teens

By using the latest in search and rescue technology, the Coast Guard was able to quickly rescue two teenagers after their vessel began taking on water and sank about 30 miles from shore August 10, 2009. Read more>>

Path to Mayday

In less than a second an electric current containing a three-second message traveled approximately two miles, across the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest. The signal began its journey from a marine radio tuned to emergency channel-16 in Peacock Spit, an ocean bar just off the southernmost tip of Washington State, to the Megler Mountain Tower, an antenna equipped with the Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 technology. Read more>>

Coast Guard Crews Rescue 3 Near Indian River, Del.

Using information from the mayday call, a position from the Rescue 21 System and an Emergency Positioning Radio Beacon Signal for locating the boat, a rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Indian River and a rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., arrived on scene where the boat crew rescued all three people from the water. Read more>>

U. S. Coast Guard Accepts New Rescue 21 Communications System in North Carolina

At a ceremony today, the U.S. Coast Guard formally accepted and introduced its new Rescue 21 advanced communications system at Sector North Carolina. Read more>>

Rescue 21 System Accepted at Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee joined senior Coast Guard and industry officials at Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston participating in the Rescue 21 formal acceptance ceremony held Monday. As part of her remarks, Rep. Jackson Lee commented, “We have the opportunity here in Houston to proudly accept Rescue 21; which is going to refine the technology that will help us find those who are lost.” Read more>>

Rescue 21: Coast Guard Rescues Six from Capsized Boat

The call was received by the Coast Guard's Rescue 21 communications tower on Megler Mountain, Wash. The Rescue 21 system provided rescuers with a single line of bearing from where the mayday call originated.
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