Sea is regarded as the biggest eco system of the world, which has a lot of resources, fisheries, oil

and natural gas are few areas which are dependent on it.
Post-Independence, there was a need for two forces one for protection of natural resources and
other that can engage in times of war.
Need for Indian Coast Guard
The Indian customs department needed assistance for patrolling in the sea and for interception of
smugglers and entry of enemies in the Indian EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). So, Indian Navy
made a proposal to the Govt. to set up a separate force for providing non-military maritime
protection. With this need Govt. established the Indian Coast Guard.
Indian Coast Guard: Goals and Strategies
Indian Coast Guard is a multi- mission force that has a motto: “Vayam Rakshamah” (i.e. We
Protect) It works to protect the EEZ of the nation from smugglers and foreign intrusions.
The Major Objective of Indian Coast Guard is to provide protection in the maritime boundaries of
India and below are the responsibilities undertaken by coast guards-
 Safety & Protection of artificial island and offshore terminal
Coast Guard Ships and Aircraft undertake regular patrols to monitor ODA’s (Offshore
Development Areas
 Protecting fisherman and providing them assistance
They organize various Community Interaction Programs (CIP) to make the fisherman aware
of the safety measures to be taken at sea
 Preservation and protection of the marine environment
Collaborate with environmentalists to protect the Flora and Fauna at sea and also contributes
in controlling pollution and prevents environmental damage
 Executing anti-smuggling operations
Coordinates with Customs and other enforcement agencies to prevent ingress and egress of
banned items
 Protection & safety of life & property at sea
It mitigates the effect of maritime accidents, and help in ensuring safety and security from
natural or man-made disasters in the sea
 Collection of scientific data
While patrolling, ICG ships also collects meteorological and Oceanographic data for further
analysis
 Search and rescue operations
Contributes in rescue operations, to protect the general public during natural disasters such as
floods, Tsunami etc
 Coastal Security
It helps in enforcing maritime laws and other regulations and treaties signed by the
Government.
Organizational Set-up-
The ICG is headed by a Director General, an officer of the rank of Vice Admiral of the Indian
Navy. The Director General is assisted by other officers who are responsible for different duties
and responsibilities. The Director General, Indian Coast Guard (DGICG) exercises his command
from Coast Guard Headquarters at New Delhi through Commander Coast Guard Regions
(COMCG) West, East, North West and Andaman & Nicobar. The Regional Commanders exercise
their command through District Commander (COMDIS), CG Stations and CG Air Stations. Most
of the ships are under operational control of the COMCG’s while some are also under the control
of Air Enclave/District Commanders and ICG Stations.

Automation:-
Electronic Surveillance Mechanism comprising of sensors having radar, day night cameras,
communication systems, Automatic Identification systems shall assist in interconnecting 51 Indian
Navy and Indian Coast Guard Stations, which shall help in better monitoring.
Use of FPV’s:-
Coast Guards should not be sent for patrolling, instead patrolling shall be done through aircraft
and in cases of emergency, Fast Petrol Vehicles to be used to be used by coast guards for reaching
the site. As a result it also increases the effectiveness of the personals for handling critical
instances.
Use of DATS:-
All seagoing vessels also have to be registered and fitted with a distress alert transmission system
(DATS), developed by Indian Space Research Organization, which has emergency buttons. In
hostage situations or terror-related emergencies, any crew can alert the ICG by pushing the relevant
button

Boundary Spanning Roles:-

Encouraging Horizontal Communication among the ship leaders and encouraging Boundary
spanning roles, which shall facilitate quick response in cases of emergency.

Use of MIS:-

Developing an online Management Information Portal for real time communication to the higher
authorities, updating the SITREP (Daily Situation Report) containing the details of ships floated,
also facilitating employees to check their leave procedure, employee benefits etc. through the
portal.