Coast Guard inaugurates Aquatic Centre at Mandapam, Tamil Nadu

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Rakesh Pal, inaugurated the Indian Coast Guard Aquatic Centre at the ICGS Mandapam near Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, on 6 April 2024.

The Director General is on a 4-day visit to the Indian Coast Guard’s bases in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.

During his first visit to Chennai, he reviewed the operational preparedness of the maritime force and infrastructure development in the region. He also visited the ICG Station Krishnapatnam and reviewed infrastructure projects firsthand.

The Director General Rakesh Pal also interacted with officers and men of the maritime force to share his vision towards the common goal of safe, secure and clean seas, 

Formation of  Indian Coast Guard 

The Indian Coast Guard was set up on 1 February 1977 under the Union Ministry of Defence.

Initially, the Indian Navy was responsible for patrolling the high seas to prevent smuggling and other illegal activities.

The government of India set up a Nag committee in 1970 to examine the growing menace of smuggling in the high seas. The Nag committee recommended the need for a separate marine force to deal with smuggling activities.

In 1974, the government of India appointed a committee to suggest measures to combat smuggling and illegal activities in the seas and to protect India’s marine resources. The committee was headed by K.F.Rustamji.

Based on the recommendation of the Rustamji Committee, the government of India set up the Indian Coast Guard on 1 February 1977.

The Indian Coast Guard was formally inaugurated by then Prime Minister Morarji Desai on 19 August 1978.

The first ship of the Indian Coast Guard, ICGS Kuthar, was actually a Naval ship of the Indian Navy, which was transferred to the Coast Guard.

The first Director General of the Indian Coast Guard was Vice-Admiral V.A. Kamath.

Command Structure of Coast Guard 

The headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard is in New Delhi.

The Indian Coast Guard has five  Regional command centres. They are 

Motto of the Indian Coast Guard: "Vayam Rakshamah"

Indian Coast Guard Foundation Day- 1 February