Maritime SAR is divided into two major Areas of Responsibility (AORs). What are they?

• A. Four: Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, Indian
• B. Atlantic and Pacific
• C. Northern and Southern
• D. East and West

Answer: (B)

In maritime Search and Rescue, command is organized by two large geographic theaters to enable fast, coordinated responses. The two major Areas of Responsibility are the Atlantic Area and the Pacific Area. This division aligns the primary command and control structure with the two ocean basins the service operates in, so each Area Commander can oversee SAR operations, standardize procedures, and marshal assets within their theater quickly and efficiently. The other regional names listed don’t reflect the official Coast Guard SAR structure, which is why Atlantic Area and Pacific Area are the correct pairing.