As you state, maritime usage is somewhat different. Some years ago, an Alaskan Airlines jet plummeted into the sea just off of Anacapa Island (Channel Islands National Park). The sea state was such that day that trips had been cancelled. When the accident occurred, an NPS vessel launched immediately. Clearing the harbor mouth, a large wave rocked the boat, catching one of the rescuers unaware and breaking a leg. The vessel continued on toward the accident site and participated in recovery operations.