United States Revenue Cutter Service

United States Division of Revenue Cutter Service
Seal of the United States Revenue Cutter Service
Active	4 August 1790 – 31 July 1894 (as the U.S. Revenue-Marine) 31 July 1894 – 28 January 1915 (as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service)
Disbanded	28 January 1915
Country	United States
Role	Maritime law enforcement
Part of	Department of the Treasury
Nickname(s)	"U.S. Revenue-Marine" (1790–1894) "U.S. Revenue Cutter Service" (1894–1915)
Motto(s)	"Semper Paratus" (English: "Always Ready")
Anniversaries	4 August
Insignia
Ensign (1799)
Ensign (1815)
Ensign (1836)
Ensign (1841)
Ensign (1867)
Ensign (1868)

The United States Revenue Cutter Service was established by an act of Congress (1 Stat. 175) on 4 August 1790 as the Revenue-Marine upon the recommendation of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton to serve as an armed customs enforcement service. As time passed, the service gradually gained missions either voluntarily or by legislation, including those of a military nature. It was generally referred to as the Revenue-Marine until 31 July 1894, when it was officially renamed the Revenue Cutter Service. The Revenue Cutter Service operated under the authority of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. On 28 January 1915, the service was merged by an act of Congress with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the United States Coast Guard.