Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 4 (PTI) To strengthen coastal security in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Police Marine Force (PMF), in assistance with the National Academy of Coastal Policing (NACP) in Gujarat, has commenced a two-week capsule training course, an official said on Tuesday.
The training programme is organised at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Police Training Institute, Prothrapur in Sri Vijaya Puram, and it will conclude on August 14, the official said.
A total of 60 police personnel posted at all Coastal Police Stations across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were selected for the training programme.
The course is aimed at enhancing their professional competence and equipping them with specialised knowledge and practical skills in coastal surveillance, seamanship, marine communication, search and rescue operations, navigational skills, maritime law enforcement and coordinated response mechanisms, thereby strengthening the overall coastal security framework of the Union territory, the official said.
The inaugural function on Monday was graced by Director General of Police (DGP) Andaman and Nicobar Police Ravindra Singh Yadav. He emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building, specialised training and inter-agency coordination in enhancing the operational preparedness of marine police personnel and strengthening the coastal security framework of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He also urged the general public and fishermen community to become the eyes for them in sharing any credible information or distress calls related to coastal security and assistance.
The programme reflects the shared commitment of Andaman and Nicobar Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs and NACP towards strengthening the coastal security architecture and enhancing maritime domain awareness in the strategically significant part of the Union Territory, Yadav said.
“… Andaman and Nicobar Islands are crucial for the country’s maritime security. The region features an extensive coastline and numerous islands, both large and small, placing a vast expanse of the sea under our jurisdiction. Despite a challenging task (due to its remoteness), we are responsible not only for maintaining law and order at sea but also for monitoring activities such as smuggling, illegal infiltration, and illicit fishing. We also play a vital role in saving lives at sea and conducting relief operations during disasters,” the DGP said.
“… marine policing is constantly evolving in today’s times; new technologies are emerging, and new challenges are arising. Therefore, we too must keep enhancing our knowledge and skills to keep pace with the times. I would also like to add that such joint training programmes strengthen coordination and cooperation among various institutions. This will make our Marine Police Force even more capable and prepared to face future challenges,” the DGP added. PTI SN RG
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