INDIAN COAST GUARD ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES : Indian forces are always ready to defend the country. The Indian Armed Forces has commanded the security of the country in all the three areas, air, water and land. Along with this, the contribution of the Indian Coast Guard is also very important, who are on alert round the clock to protect the Indian coasts.
Indian Coast Guard was established in the year 1977 on 01 February. The Indian Coast Guard works under the Ministry of Defence. It was established on the recommendation of Rustomji Committee to look after and protect the Special Economic Zones.
The main functions of the Coast Guard are security, pollution control, and maintenance of law and order in Special Economic Zones on the coast and elsewhere. In addition, the Coast Guard performs the following important roles :-
IMPORTANT ROLES OF INDIAN COAST GUARD
Indian Coast Guard Coordination with Committee National Maritime Rescue and Search Coordination Authority, the premier intelligence agency of the Coastal and Maritime Border Coastal Defense
Ensuring the security and protection of artificial Islands, offshore terminals, installations and other structures and devices in any maritime zone.
Providing protection and assistance to fishermen in distress while stumped.
Preservation and protection of our maritime environment including prevention and control of marine pollution.
Assisting the Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations.
Enforcement of Maritime Zones of India Act.
Precautionary measures for the security of life and property stumped and collection of scientific data.
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SEARCH AND RESCUE
India is a signatory to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), 1979, ratified in May 2001. India’s obligations under SAR Conventions are listed below:-
Formulation of National Legislation for Implementation
Establishment of SAR Plan as per IAMSAR Manual I, II and III
Establishment of Facilities
Competent Manpower
Establishment of Reporting System
Enforcement Machinery
Evaluation and Review
ICG is that the agency liable for coordinating Search and Rescue (SAR) within the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). DGICG has been designated because the National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority (NMSARCA) and is additionally the Chairman of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board.
The Indian Coast Guard has been operating INDSAR (Indian SAR Computerised Ship Reporting System) since 2003. it’s a toll-free reporting arrangement that seeks to help the MRCCs to divert the foremost suitable assets to the scene of distress and also keep track of a ship that’s overdue, or which can need urgent assistance. Participation in INDSAR is voluntary and freed from cost for foreign flag vessels.
The Indian Coast Guard has been operating INDSAR (Indian SAR Computerised Ship Reporting System) since 2003. it’s a toll-free reporting arrangement that seeks to help the MRCCs to divert the foremost suitable assets to the scene of distress and also keep track of a ship that’s overdue, or which can need urgent assistance. Participation in INDSAR is voluntary and freed from cost for foreign flag vessels.
ICG ships and aircraft also are deployed during various festivals along the coast like Ganesh festival in Maharashtra, Rath Yatra at Puri in Odisha, Ganga Sagar Mela at Sagar Island in West Bengal etc.to provide SAR cover.
ANTI SMUGGLING AND NARCOTICS
The interim Indian Coast Guard (ICG) came into being on 01 February 1977, equipped with two small corvettes and five patrol boats transferred from the Indian Navy. The duties and functions of the service were formally defined within the Coast Guard Act, which was gone by India’s parliament on 18 August 1978.
One of the first duties of the Indian Coast Guard is to help the Customs and other authorities in Anti-Smuggling operations.In order to strengthen the capabilities of the Service with regards to the present duty, the govt. of India sanctioned the merger of Customs Marine Organization under Department of Revenue with the Indian Coast Guard.
The Customs Marine Organization was merged into the most stream of the Indian Coast Guard on 21 January 1982 and functioned under the Directorate of Operations. The Directorate of Anti Smuggling and Narcotics Control (AS&NC) commenced functioning as an independent Directorate with effect from 01 Nov 2004.
The charter of the Indian Coast Guard as far as AS&NC cares , is to help the Customs in curbing the availability of contraband through sea routes. In meeting this challenge, the Indian Coast Guard coordinates closely with other central and state enforcement / intelligence agencies to disrupt and deter the menace of smuggling. The Indian Coast Guard since its inception has confiscated various contraband valued at about Rs. 1120.314 Cr.
