Established by act of January 28, 1915 (14 U.S.C. 1), became a component of the Department of Transportation on April 1, 1967, pursuant to the Department of Transportation Act of October 15, 1966 (49 U.S.C. app. 1651 note). The Coast Guard is a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States at all times and is a service within the Department of Transportation except when operating as part of the Navy in time of war or when the President directs. The predecessor of the Coast Guard, the Revenue Marine was established in 1790 as a federal maritime law enforcement agency. Other responsibilities include: search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine inspection, marine licensing, Great Lakes pilotage, marine environmental response, port safety and security, waterways management, aids to navigation, bridge administration, ice operations, deepwater ports, boating safety, Coast Guard auxiliary, military readiness, reserve training and Marine Safety Council.
(OFR1)