Commentary, opinion, and news about the nation's smallest military service, the United States Coast Guard, a multi-mission, maritime, armed force.

Unofficial. Totally.

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Unofficial. Totally.

The banner photograph here at An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog was taken by Scott Ableman and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Our focus here at An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog is to provide insightful (we hope) commentary and opinion about the goings-on in the Coast Guard. We'll do some straight news perhaps, but not what you'll find either in the Coast Guard's public affairs machine or from the mainstream media.

Who contributes here a An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog? We are a motley crew of diverse thinkers; see Contributers to An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog for information about us.

All comments and opinions expressed in this blog represent the comments and opinions of the author and do not reflect any official policy, opinion, or comment from the United States Coast Guard or any other federal agency or department. All contributers to this blog are writing on their own behalf as citizens of the United States and in keeping with the rights, responsibilities, and privileges afforded by the Constitution of the United States.

This is not an official publication or website of the United States Coast Guard.

Who links to this website?

• Always wear Coast Guard approved life jackets


• Be aware of weather and water conditions


• Carry a VHF radio - these radios allow for any boater in your vicinity to hear your call and the signal can be easily traced by the Coast Guard


• File a float plan to let others know where you are going, and make sure they know what to do and who to call in case of an emergency


• Maintain constant awareness of other vessels in the immediate area


• Never boat or paddle alone
• Never drink and boat


• Use caution - do not exceed your ability to handle your vessel


• When offshore, ensure your boat has a registered & maintained EPIRB

Please note this site is unofficial. All information contained on these pages is unofficial and does not represent official Coast Guard policy.

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The posts on this blog are provided ‘as is’ with no warranties and confer no rights. The opinions expressed on this site are those of the individual blog contributers and commentors and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the Commandant or of the U. S. Coast Guard.