The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), pursuant to Republic Act 9993 otherwise known as the "Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009", is the national maritime search and rescue (SAR) service of the country.

One of its functions is to render aid to persons and vessels in distress and conduct search and rescue in marine accidents within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, including the high seas, in accordance with applicable international conventions.

In the performance of this function, the PCG may enlist the services of other government agencies and the merchant marine fleet.

The Coast Guard Command Center (CGCOMCEN) at the PCG National Headquarters in Manila, by virtue of the current functions and facilities, serves as the coordinating center for all search and rescue operations.

The 15 Coast Guard districts are designated as Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) within their areas of responsibility, while the 90 Coast Guard stations and 464 sub-stations are designated as Maritime Rescue Sub-Centers (MRSCs).

The PCG's SAR organization maintains constantly manned watch centers that operate 24 hours a day, continuously monitoring distress frequencies and conducting coastal foot and seaborne patrol within their area of responsibility.

There is at least one division or squadron of Coast Guard Auxiliary in each MRSC where a watch can be set, and assistance can be obtained when required.

Likewise, at least one Deployable Response Team composed of Special Operations Group, Medical Team, K-9, and rescue swimmers is organized at each Coast Guard District or MCG, which can be dispatched immediately to any maritime and land base search and rescue operations.