Although the Royal Decree of 22nd February 1991 could be considered the Founding Act for the Guardia Civil Sea Service, it started working in 1992 (General Order No 51, of 17th March). This service originated in the requirements to provide the institution with adequate equipment and qualified human resources to cope with all the tasks assigned within Spanish territorial waters and, exceptionally, beyond them.
The functions entrusted to this service are: prevention and investigation of criminal offences; drafting of preliminary and technical reports; fighting illegal immigration; prevention and fight against fraud and smuggling; environmental protection; fishery inspection and supervision; and protection of the Spanish national sunken heritage.
