Maldives being a water bound nation much of our security concerns lay at sea. Almost 90% of the country is covered by sea and the remaining 10% land is scattered over an area of 415km x 120km, a single island (altogether 1192 islands) not been more than 8 sq km. The geographic location and formation of the country provides ideal conditions for the moon-cursers to carryout their activities taking Maldives as a covert route to their destinations.
Therefore the duties assigned to the MNDF of maintaining surveillance over our waters and providing protection against foreign intruders poaching in the EEZ and territorial waters, are immense tasks from both logistical and economic view points. Hence, for carrying out these functions, it is the Coast Guard that plays a vital role. To provide timely security its patrol boats are stationed at various MNDF Regional Headquarters.
Coast Guard is also assigned to respond to the maritime distress calls and to conduct search and rescue operations in a timely manner. Maritime pollution control exercises are conducted regularly on an annual basis for familiarization and handling of such hazardous situations.
MNDF won the president’s environment award “Green Leaf” twice in 1991 and in 2003 mainly due to the efforts of Coast Guard in collaboration with other units in scavenging harbours all over the country.
Coast Guards also under takes armed sea transport of troops and military equipment around the country.
Tasks:
- Protecting territorial waters, EEZ, and the marine environment.
- Conducting search and rescue, and salvage operations.
- Enforcing maritime law.
- VIP and Convoy protection.
- Coastal Surveillance.