Italy is a peninsula, which means much of its stunning territory is bordered by the sea—about 5,200 miles (8,300 kilometers) of coastline, including both the mainland and its many islands. But who’s in charge of safeguarding these vast maritime borders? For the past 160 years—an anniversary celebrated this year—that responsibility has belonged to the Italian Coast Guard.

Their mission is to protect and monitor the marine environment, coastlines, and natural and biological resources. They also oversee maritime fishing, the administration of seafarers and recreational boating, and maintain the registries for merchant ships and fishing vessels.