Established on March 3, 1984, the Coast Guard Restricted Duty Ribbon honor Coast Guard members who satisfactorily carry out a Permanent Change of Station tour at a designated station including remote locations such as the Arctic Circle or combat areas. Tours completed at stations where dependents are permitted are not eligible for the award.
The ribbon features a thin purple stripe in the center followed by a stripe of white, light blue, blue, and dark blue proceeding outward on each side.
Subsequent awards may be indicated by service stars.