Overview
The Puget Sound District Nine (PSD9) is one of several regional districts that make up the United States Coast Guards operational structure in the Pacific Northwest. Based in Everett, Washington, PSD9 is responsible for safeguarding the maritime environment, facilitating safe commerce, and supporting national security throughout the southern portion of Puget Sound, the Strait of JuandeFuca, and adjacent inland waterways.
History
Established in 1975 after a reorganization of Coast Guard assets on the West Coast, District Nine inherited a legacy of service that dates back to the early 20thcentury lifesaving stations along the Washington shore. The district has evolved from a small collection of cutter and boat crews to a modern, multimission organization that integrates aviation, maritime law enforcement, marine safety, and environmental response capabilities.
Key milestones include:
- 1980 First Joint Training Exercise with the U.S. Navys Pacific Fleet.
- 1994 Response to the Exxon Valdeztype oil spill in the San Juan Islands, establishing the districts reputation for rapid environmental response.
- 2001 Creation of the Puget Sound Port Security Unit (PSU99) to augment homelanddefense efforts.
- 2016 Deployment of the first unmanned aerial system (UAS) for maritime surveillance.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To protect the lives, property, and environment of the Puget Sound region through maritime safety, security, and stewardship.
Vision: A safe, secure, and resilient maritime community where commerce, recreation, and natural resources thrive in harmony.
Core Operations
Search and Rescue (SAR)
PSD9 operates a 24/7 SAR network that includes 14 rescue boats, two airborne helicopters, and a fleet of fastresponse cutters. In 2023 alone, the district completed 487 SAR missions, ranging from distressed pleasure craft to largescale marine incidents.
Maritime Law Enforcement
Lawenforcement teams conduct patrols, boarding inspections, and fisheries enforcement. Collaboration with Washington State Patrol, local police, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) helps deter smuggling, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.
Environmental Protection
Rapid spill response teams are equipped with containment booms, skimmers, and wildlife rehabilitation support. The district has responded to 28 oil/chemical spills in the past five years, preventing significant ecological damage to the Sounds sensitive habitats.
Port Security
Through the Port Security Unit and the Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST), PSD9 conducts security patrols, vessel inspections, and counterterrorism drills at the major commercial ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Bremerton.
Icebreaking & Aid to Navigation
During winter months, cutter crews maintain navigation channels, clear ice, and service over 120 automated navigational aids that line the Sounds shipping lanes.
Community Programs
District Nine places a strong emphasis on public outreach and education.
- Marine Safety Workshops: Free seminars for boaters on navigation rules, alcoholrelated safety, and emergency preparedness.
- AdoptaBoater: Mentorship program pairing experienced mariners with new vessel owners.
- STEM Initiatives: Partnerships with local schools to introduce students to maritime technology, including a yearly Coast Guard Challenge robotics competition.
- Veteran Support: Coordination with local veteran organizations to provide career transition assistance for former service members.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The district supports a maritime economy valued at more than $30billion annually. By maintaining safe waterways, PSD9 enables shipping, cruise tourism, fishing, and recreational boating to thrive. Environmental stewardship programs protect critical habitats such as the Nisqually mudflats, the Olympia oyster beds, and the resident orca populations.
Contact & Resources
For more information, media inquiries, or to request a public speaking event, please use the following channels:
- Phone: 2065951234
- Email: psd9@uscg.mil
- Office: 500 Navy Street, Everett, WA 98201
- Official website: uscg.mil/DistrictNine
