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French maritime domain extends on 10.2 million km2: 372.000 km2 on mainland, divided in 3 areas (North Sea and Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean), 9.9 million km2 overseas (in the northern Atlantic, Caribbean islands, South America, Southern Indian Ocean, and Pacific ocean). To tackle the specific challenges of each area, French organisation is based on the principle of a strong coordination of the administrations involved in Coast Guard Functions. A single authority representing the Prime Minister carries out this coordination:

• At national/strategic level, the General secretariat for the Sea (SGMer) is in charge of coordinating the maritime policy and strategic planning (it includes the SECMAR body, an inter-ministerial research and coordination organisation for maritime SAR operations as set out in the SAR Convention) - see here contact information;
• At regional/operational level: the Maritime Prefects (for mainland) and Government Delegate for State action at sea (overseas) are the representatives of the State at sea in their areas of responsibility, in charge of coordinating operational response and related activities. They receive their directives from the General secretariat for the Sea.

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