SHIELD
Per pale wavy Azure (Dark blue) and Azure, edged Argent, on a pile reversed of the third between in dexter a dogfish urinant embowed Argent (Silver gray), eyed Gules, charged with nine (9) pellets Sable, in sinister a dogfish hauriant embowed of the third, eyed of the fifth, issuant from base a fasces of the sixth, blades Or, combined with a trident of the last.
CREST
From a wreath Argent and Azure (Dark blue), in front of a life ring Gules garnished of the first, a polestar Or.
MOTTO
A scroll Argent edged Gules inscribed WE ARE THE SHIELD' Azure.
SHIELD
The Sea Dog, named for a small shark considered destructive by fishermen, is the name of the previous and present vessels. The previous Sea Dog, commissioned as a submarine in World War II, is represented by the dogfish shark diving into the dark water. The pellets suggest munitions, indicating the nine cargo ships sunk by the USS Sea Dog. The dogfish shark swimming up reflects the USS Sea Dog regeneration as a USCG Patrol boat. The pile denotes the ship's prow. The fasces and trident reflects law enforcement at sea, highlighting the USCGC Sea Dog's mission of homeland security and environmental protection.
CREST
The life ring denotes the cutter's search and rescue mission. The polestar alludes to navigation.