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PhrasesAt the PortDov'è la Guardia Costiera?
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Dov'è la Guardia Costiera?

Where is the Coast Guard?

Pronunciation

'Costiera' — cos-TYE-ra. Stress on the second syllable; three syllables.

When to use it

Ask when you need emergency maritime assistance or want to report an incident. The Coast Guard office is typically at the entrance of any Italian port.

What it means

'Guardia Costiera' (Coast Guard) is under the Italian Navy. 'Guardia' means guard or watch. The emergency sea rescue number in Italy is 1530, callable from any Italian mobile phone. For police matters on land at the port, 'Polizia di Frontiera' (Border Police) is the relevant authority.

Variations

Il numero di emergenza in mare?

What is the emergency number at sea?

The answer: 1530.

C'è un ufficio della Guardia Costiera qui?

Is there a Coast Guard office here?

Confirms physical presence at this specific port.

Ho visto una barca in difficoltà.

I saw a boat in difficulty.

Report of a sea emergency situation.

Mini Dialogue

— Dov'è la Guardia Costiera? — Ufficio all'ingresso del porto, edificio bianco. — Ho visto una barca in difficoltà al largo. — Vada subito, o chiami il 1530.

— Where is the Coast Guard? — Office at the port entrance, white building. — I saw a boat in difficulty offshore. — Go immediately, or call 1530.

Cultural Note

The Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) is one of the most active maritime rescue services in the Mediterranean, conducting thousands of sea rescues annually. Their distinctive red and white patrol boats are a familiar sight in Italian waters.