The Coast Guard Roles are broken down into five fundamental roles: Maritime security, maritime safety, protection of natural resources, maritime mobility, and national defense.

Coast Guard Role Mission Areas:

• Maritime Security Missions
  - Drug Interdiction
  - Alien Migrant Interdiction
  - EEZ & Living Marine Resource Law/Treaty Enforcement
  
• Maritime Safety Missions
  - Search and Rescue
  - Marine Safety
  - Recreational Boating Safety
  - International Ice Patrol
  
• Protection of Natural Resources Mission
  - Marine Environmental Protection
  - Domestic Fisheries Enforcement
  - Protected Living Marine Resource Law Enforcement
  
• Maritime Mobility Missions
  - Aids to Navigation
  - Icebreaking Services
  - Bridge Administration
  - Waterways/Vessel Traffic Management
  
• National Defense Missions
  - General Defense Operations
  - Maritime Interception Operations
  - Military Environmental Response Operations
  - Port Operations, Security, and Defense
  - Peacetime Military Engagement
  - Coastal Sea Control Operations
  - Polar Icebreaking