US Coast Guard Sector

A US Coast Guard field command that integrates the previously separate Group and Marine Safety Office functions over a defined geographic area, holding the Captain of the Port, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, and SAR Mission Coordinator authorities. Created in the 2004 to 2006 reorganization, a Sector runs port security, vessel inspection and port-state control, SAR coordination through its command center, and incident response. Under MTSA the Sector Commander as COTP enforces facility and vessel security plans.