Coast Guard doctrine lists a “Principle of On-Scene Initiative.” It says: “Personal initiative has always been crucial to the success of our Service.” And: “Thus, we push both authority and responsibility to the lowest possible level.” The person on scene “can be depended upon to assess the situation, seize the initiative” and act.
The doctrine gives a historical reason. The service began with ten cutters spread from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Savannah, Georgia. Later it ran 148 remote lifesaving stations. Close central control was not practical. After Hurricane Katrina, “Over 5,600 Coast Guard men and women deployed from around the country and rescued more than 33,500 people.”