Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 4: A two-week specialised training programme on coastal policing has commenced in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strengthen the operational capabilities of marine police personnel and reinforce the Union Territory’s coastal security framework. The programme, being conducted at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Police Training Institute (NSCBPTI), Prothrapur, runs from August 3 to August 14 with instructors from the National Academy of Coastal Policing (NACP), Okha, Gujarat.
The capsule training course is being organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Police Marine Force in line with the recommendations of the Directors General of Police and Inspectors General of Police Conference 2025, under which the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasised specialised training to enhance the professional capacity of marine police personnel.
The training is designed for 60 police personnel posted at coastal police stations across the Islands. It aims to strengthen professional competence by providing specialised knowledge and practical skills required for coastal policing and maritime law enforcement.
The two-week programme covers maritime security, coastal surveillance, navigation, seamanship, boarding procedures, search and rescue operations, marine communication, maritime law enforcement and inter-agency coordination. The course is intended to equip participants with operational skills required for effective deployment in the Police Marine Force.
The present initiative follows earlier capacity-building efforts undertaken in the Islands. In 2024, expert instructors from the National Academy of Coastal Policing visited Sri Vijaya Puram and, through NSCBPTI, provided specialised marine policing training to 319 personnel of the Andaman and Nicobar Police. Additionally, 61 police personnel successfully completed the 10-week Marine Police Foundation Course at NACP, Okha, and are currently serving in marine police units across the Islands.
According to the police, operational commitments and manpower limitations made it difficult to regularly depute large numbers of personnel to the 10-week foundation course in Gujarat. In view of these constraints, the Andaman and Nicobar Police requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to organise a capsule training programme within the Islands. Acting on the Ministry’s directions, the National Academy of Coastal Policing deputed a five-member instructor team comprising one Assistant Commandant, one Sub-Inspector and three Head Constables to conduct the course.
The inaugural programme was attended by Director General of Police Ravindra Singh Yadav, Inspector General of Police Geeta Rani Verma, Superintendent of Police (PMF) Shweta K. Sugathan, NSCBPTI Principal Uma Shankar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (PMF) Ankesh Yadav and NSCBPTI Vice Principal Chandan GS.
During the inaugural session, the Director General of Police highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building, specialised training and inter-agency coordination in improving the operational preparedness of marine police personnel and strengthening coastal security.
Police have also appealed to the public and the fishing community to share any credible information or distress promptly calls through the telephone number 03192-39247 or the toll-free numbers 1093 and 112 for assistance.
