Adjust cargo at sea, losing jack? This could be the answer (10)
I believe the answer is:
coastguard
'adjust cargo at sea losing jack? this could' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'the answer' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is present in the answer.
'answer' could be 'a' (abbreviation eg in Q and A) and 'a' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'be' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for coastguard that I've seen before include "Member of) marine rescue organisation" , "Maritime force for defence, rescue, prevention of smuggling etc" , "One on the lookout for smugglers" .)