Personnel on the boats will be equipped with weapons and other security gadgets. All the patrol boats will have personnel trained in swimming.
The 70 patrolling boats with the state today are distributed among its 44 coastal police stations. The 28 additional boats have been taken on rent for 100 days. “The rental contract will be renewed once the time is completed,” an officer said.
A coastal police station has jurisdiction up to 12-15 nautical miles, while the coast guard jurisdiction extends to 200 nautical miles.
Beyond this point, security is maintained and supervised by the navy.
The customs and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) also have their jurisdiction up to 200 nautical miles.
The Centre had appointed Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar (retired) as the first national maritime security coordinator (NMSC) last year. The NMSC is under the national security advisor.
Each state has appointed a state maritime security coordinator (SMSC). In the state, the inspector general of police (coastal security) has been appointed the SMSC.
“The SMSC coordinates with other agencies like the Maritime Board, ports and fisheries departments, navy, coast guard, customs and NCB regarding maritime security,” said an officer.
When personnel from the different departments meet, they share intelligence inputs, hold discussions and make decisions on preventive measures.
After the 26/11 attacks, the state and Centre bought many speedboats for patrolling in the sea.
In the attacks, 10 Pakistani terrorists had entered the city from the Arabian Sea on November 26, 2008, and killed 166 people.
While nine terrorists were gunned down by security personnel, Kasab was captured alive. He was tried in court and executed.
Since 26/11, regular security analysis has been conducted and operation Sagar Kawach carried out by the security agencies.
