The seaworthiness of every vessel leaving the port is ensured through the intensified Mandatory Pre-departure Inspection which include the compliance of vessels to safety standards and prevention of vessels from sailing for failure to comply with the standards; conduct of random Emergency Readiness Evaluation and Operational Readiness Evaluation in the ports; conduct of regular vessel safety inspections, and publication of Notice to Mariners (NOTAM), and the implementation and enforcement of navigational rules and designation of sea lanes, among others. Moreover, navigational safety is ensured by operating and/or maintaining and servicing 565 lighthouses and more than 44 navigational buoys around the country which guide and ensures safe voyage to mariners. 

Considering the archipelagic character of the country, it is vital to enhance the security of its different maritime zones to protect the integrity as a nation. In the performance of this function, the PCG contributes to maintain good order at sea by conducting regular patrols and surveillance for the safety of navigation of ships, to safeguard ships from illegal acts and to promote freedom of navigation. In its Sea Marshal Program, the PCG manages composite security forces composed of AFP, PNP and PCG elements to protect voyages of passenger-laden vessels in domestic routes. The Coast Guard also boasts of a newly established nationwide K-9 unit composed of highly trained sniffing dogs deployed in the major ports throughout the country. 

The PCG is authorized to board and inspect all watercrafts suspected to be involved in or used in illegal trade. PCG personnel are also deemed agents of BFAR, Immigration, Customs, DENR, PDEA, and INTERPOL in the performance of its MARLEN function. As a maritime organization  under RA 9993 , it is deputized by 21 government agencies to perform maritime law enforcement functions directed towards the suppression of piracy, smuggling, poaching, illegal fishing, illegal entry, human smuggling, illegal logging, drug trafficking, gun running and terrorist activities.

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.

The Philippine Coast Guard under RA 9993 is the sole agency responsible for the Philippine implementation of the Conventions with regards to oil pollution, prevention, mitigation and control through the conduct of marine pollution monitoring and control, enhancement of PCG capability and oil spill response operations and enforcement of all marine environmental laws and regulations.