Indian Coast Guard

Description

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Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to all Coast Guard personnel on their Raising Day.

Details:

About:

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is an Armed Force of the Union of India for ensuring the security of the maritime zones of India with a view to the protection of maritime and other national interests in such zones and for matters connected therewith.
It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
Headquarters in Kochi, Kerala
The Indian Coast Guard's motto is "वयम रक्षामः" (Vayam Rakshamah), which translates from Sanskrit as "We Protect".

History:

The Indian Customs Department frequently called upon the Indian Navy for assistance with patrol and interception in the anti-smuggling effort.
The Nagchaudhuri Committee was constituted with participation from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force to study the problem
Admiral Kohli in 1974 made a recommendation outlining the need for a separate maritime service.
As a result, in September 1974, the Indian cabinet set up the Rustamji Committee to examine gaps in security and law enforcement between the roles of the Indian Navy and the central and state police forces.
The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Indian government initiated a programme to expand the ICG force, assets and infrastructure.

Missions:

Safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals and other installations
Protection and assistance to fishermen and mariners at sea
Preservation and protection of marine ecology and environment including pollution control
Assistance to the Department of Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations
Law enforcement in territorial as well as international waters
Scientific data collection and support
National defence during hostilities (under the operational control of the Indian Navy)

Additional responsibilities:

Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) – The Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard is the Chairman of OSCC
National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority (NMSARCA) – The Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard is the NMSARCA for executing / coordinating search and rescue missions
Lead Intelligence Agency (LIA) – For coastal and sea borders
Coastal Security – The Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard is the commander of coastal command

Leadership and organisation:

The Indian Coast Guard organisation is headed by the Director-General
He is assisted by four Deputy Director-Generals
Director-General of Indian Coast Guard is equivalent to Vice admiral of Indian Navy.
The Indian Coast Guard operates five regions. Each region is headed by an officer of the rank of Inspector-General. Each of the regions is further divided into multiple districts, typically covering a coastal state or a union territory.