Of late, Indian Coast Guard has been putting lot of thrust on boosting cooperation with its neighbouring countries. Towards this end, it has been drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maritime Agency of Pakistan for exchange of information on violations by the fishing boats from both sides. The proposed MOU calls for speedy repatriation of fishermen, who stray into each other’s territorial waters unknowingly. While containing marine pollution, the MOU also provides room for face-to-face interaction between the officials in due course of time.

Speaking to the mediapersons on the occasion of Coast Guard’s 27th raising day, Coast Guard DG, Vice Admiral Sureesh Mehta said that the International Ship Port Security Code to which India is a signatory will come into force from July 1, this year. The code will ensure that only sea-worthy ships will pass through the ports. In addition to it, the code ensures that all the countries coming under this code could get their ships checked against carrying any anti-national elements, drugs or any explosives before entering into the international waters. This Code, will safeguard ports and vessels besides putting a cap on illegal activities at sea, the Vice Admiral added.

During the current financial year, Coast Guard saved 116 men in distress at sea. It responded to four oil spill incidents and seized contraband worth seven lakhs. It apprehended 50 boats with 454 crew that indulged in poaching activities and nabbed one boat carrying smuggled goods. While augmenting its capabilities for specialised tasks like search and rescue (SAR) operations and pollution response, Coast Guard has been in top gear as far as putting a check on infiltration activities along Maharashtra and Gujrat coasts is concerned. Security has been tightened to check the inflow of arms and explosives into the country along these coasts.

Japanese ships will visit India October to conduct joint exercises with the Indian Coast Guard. Coast Guard is focussing on strengthening ties with Malaysia. The DG also informed that India, Japan and the USA are planning to work together to find out an effectivc mechanism for rescuing the ships in distress at sea.

The Coast Guard’s 15-year Perspective Plan (2002-17) intends to replace all its ageing ships and to ensure that the new ships have the entire wherewithal to operate Advance Light Helicopter (ALH). By 2017, Coast Guard will increase its strength to 146 ships, 12 hovercraft and 100 aircraft and helicopters.