Sri Vijaya Puram, August 13: The Andaman and Nicobar Police have strengthened the operational capacity of the Police Marine Force (PMF) with the induction of 10 newly procured rubberized inflatable boats, a move aimed at enhancing coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement and emergency response across the strategically located island territory.
Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi formally inducted the new boats during a ceremony held at the Conference Hall, Lok Niwas. The induction marks a significant addition to the Police Marine Force, which plays a key role in safeguarding the extensive coastline of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue operations, and emergency response.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary-in-Charge Chanchal Yadav, Director General of Police Ravindra Singh Yadav, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Kumar Sinha, along with senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Police Department.
Officials said the newly inducted boats will significantly improve the operational readiness of the Police Marine Force by strengthening its capability to conduct coastal patrols, maritime surveillance and rapid deployment during emergencies. The vessels will also support anti-poaching operations, boarding of suspicious vessels, shallow-water missions and search and rescue activities across the Islands.
The boats will further enhance the force’s ability to transport personnel, operational equipment and essential supplies to remote and strategically significant locations, including Narcondum, Tillaung Chaung and other isolated Look Out Posts.
The existing fleet of rubberized inflatable boats was procured under Phase II of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) and has been extensively deployed at Coastal Police Stations and remote Look Out Posts. These boats have been used for coastal surveillance, shallow-water operations and search and rescue missions across the Union Territory.
According to the administration, prolonged operational deployment and continuous exposure to harsh marine conditions have led to the gradual ageing of the existing fleet, making phased replacement necessary to maintain operational efficiency and ensure uninterrupted maritime operations.
With the addition of the new vessels, the Police Marine Force is expected to further strengthen its capacity to respond to operational and emergency requirements while reinforcing coastal vigilance across the island chain.
Officials said the induction of the 10 inflatable boats represents an important step towards enhancing operational preparedness, maritime law enforcement, coastal security and the overall maritime security architecture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
