Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 12: In a significant step towards strengthening coastal security and maritime operational capabilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), today formally inducted 10 newly procured Rubberized Inflatable Boats into the Police Marine Force (PMF), A&N Police, during an induction ceremony held in the Conference Hall, Lok Niwas.
The function was attended by Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration; Shri Ravindra Singh Yadav, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands; Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, A&N Islands, and other senior officers of the A&N Administration and Police.
The Police Marine Force plays a vital role in strengthening coastal security, maritime surveillance and patrolling, search and rescue, and responding to various operational and emergency requirements across the Islands.
The existing fleet of Rubberized Inflatable Boats, procured under the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) – Phase II, has been extensively deployed at Coastal Police Stations and remote Look Out Posts for coastal surveillance, shallow-water operations and Search & Rescue missions. Prolonged deployment and exposure to harsh marine conditions have resulted in progressive ageing of the fleet, necessitating phased replacement to maintain operational readiness.
The newly inducted boats will enhance the capabilities of A&N Police in coastal surveillance and patrolling, search and rescue, anti-poaching operations, boarding of suspicious vessels, shallow-water operations and rapid response during maritime emergencies. They will also facilitate transportation of personnel, equipment and essential supplies to remote and strategically important locations such as Narcondum, Tillaung Chaung and other remote Look Out Posts.
The induction of these 10 new Rubberized Inflatable Boats marks an important step towards enhancing the operational readiness, coastal security, maritime law enforcement and emergency response capabilities of the Police Marine Force and strengthening the overall maritime security architecture of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.