The Maritime Service of Guardia Civil (SEMAR) is the unit in charge of public security role on maritime waters under Spanish sovereignty. SEMAR also covers coastguard functions. To achieve this mission, it counts with several Maritime Service Units deployed all around the peninsula, islands and the autonomous city of Ceuta. The fleet, in order to cover all the requirements of the missions, is composed of a variety of ships, from semi-rigid boats to offshore patrol vessels. There is also a Maritime Training Centre in Cádiz.

The Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency provides the public services of search and rescue, pollution prevention and response, maritime traffic monitoring and assistance services, maritime safety and navigation services, towing services and assistance to ships, and any services that are complementary to those mentioned above. All of this is within the scope of the responsibilities of the Maritime Authorities.