By 2020, the Indian Coast Guard will be a multi-potent, energetic and versatile force of 20,000 well-trained personnel and with over 150 ships and 100 aircraft

From a modest beginning of just seven ships in 1978, the Indian Coast Guard, which celebrated its 41st anniversary on February 1, has witnessed phenomenal and humongous growth and is well recognised both nationally and internationally as a force to be reckoned with. Keeping pace with the changing maritime security scenario and the increased roles and responsibilities in the robust national security framework, the Coast Guard has made remarkable progress in terms of capacity building, infrastructure development and manpower.

The present force level includes 42 stations, 134 ships and 62 aircraft in its inventory. With the present decade, the Coast Guard is likely to have an inventory of 150 ships and 100 aircraft. Further the air arm of the service will get added fillip with the induction of six multi mission maritime aircraft and 30 twin engine helicopters in near future. By 2020, the Indian Coast Guard will be a multi potent, energetic and versatile force of 20,000 well trained personnel and with over 150 ships and 100 aircraft.

As one of the largest Coast Guards in the world, the Indian one has played a significant role in securing the coastline and enforcing the regulations within the maritime zones of India. True to its motto Vayam Rakshamah, meaning “We protect”, the service has to its credit saving of 8552 lives and apprehending 13,188 offenders since inception. Keeping a hawk’s vigil on the coast, the service has provided a robust coastal security mechanism, which has led to seizure of contraband worth around Rs 4628 crore since inception. The Coast Guard also launched relentless search and rescue operations during cyclone Ockhi and saved 488 precious lives during the operations.

Director-general Rajendra Singh, said, “As the nation joins the Indian Coast Guard in celebrating its 41st anniversary, we take pride in having registered consistent all-round growth while upholding the nation’s confidence in delivering maritime security imperatives obligated upon us and meeting expectations of mariners-at-large in ensuring safety of life and property at sea. The Coast Guard consistently demonstrated its steadfast resolve to keep seafarers bereft of perils achieving many successful operational endeavours notable being the biggest seizure of narcotics worth Rs 3500 crore and concerted efforts in most daunting conditions post cyclone Ockhi saving and assisting 488 fishermen besides saving 511 lives in the course of search and rescue and medical evacuation operations through the year.”

Singh further added that the Coast Guard had broadened and deepened its engagement with littoral states notably through intensified patrols in Indian search and rescue region/exclusive economic zone of friendly neighbours, fire fighting assistance to MSC Daniela off Colombo, hosting recap capacity building workshop, inviting foreign observers to search and rescue exercise and so on.

The Coast Guard further strengthened synergy with national stakeholders, particularly Indian Navy and marine police through regular interactions at all levels besides pro-active contribution to institutionalised meetings and exercises.