Puddle pirate
The term Puddle pirate is a pejorative term for the United States [Coast Guard], used in jest due to the public perception of the typical roles and missions being near shore versus deep water.
The term has been used as a synonym for:
- U.S. Coast Guard - in contrast with the U.S. Navy
- U.S. Coast [Guard Reserve] and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - as the reserve and the auxiliary for the U.S. Coast Guard
- Sea Scouts - in contrast with Scouts and with merchant sailors
- Youth Cadet Corps - as a junior version of the corresponding U.S. Navy
- Royal Canadian Sea Cadets - especially in non-coastal regions of Canada
- Royal Navy Reserve