In France, the general duty of coordinating maritime security and survey activities is assumed by seven Centres Régionaux Opérationnels de Surveillance et de Sauvetage (Regional Operating Surveillance and Rescue Centres; French acronym CROSS). This French model is characterized by the polyvalence of these centres. The CROSS assume up to four functional missions, as defined in maritime territory international conventions. The CROSS practice their activities under the operational authority of the Maritime Prefects in mainland France, and Government Representatives for State Action at Sea in Overseas Departments and Territories.

They depend on the Ministry of Ecological Transition . They are managed by the Affaires Maritimes (Maritime Matters Departement) administrators and provided with staff from this Ministry and members from the French Navy. The watchstanding mission (survey and rescue coordination) is assumed by military officers. They are under the organic authority of the Directions Interregionales des Affaires Maritimes (Interregional Directions of the Maritime Matters / DIRM) on the mainland and the Directions Maritimes on France Overseas Territories, which both are in charge of implementing the public policies about maritime security, protection of the environment, resource managing, maritime activities regulation and teaching.