The U.S. Coast Guard is a government agency that is involved in maritime law, mariner assistance, and search and rescue operations. The agency deals in homeland security and law enforcement related to the country s coasts, ports and inland waterways. It is also responsible for the maintenance of river, intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation. The U.S. Coast Guard conducts marine casualty investigations and performs safety examinations on commercial fishing vessels. The agency additionally maintains a fleet of aircraft, boats and cutters. The U.S. Coast Guard serves the Atlantic and Pacific areas. It is comprised of several divisions, including the Office of Civil Rights, Office of Congressional Affairs, and Office of Maritime and International Law. Founded in 1915, the agency employs more than 40,150 staff members. The U.S. Coast Guard is a part of the Department of Homeland Security.