CHENNAI: The first batch of Coastal Security Group police personnel undergoing training in sea patrolling embarked on Tuesday morning Coast Guard Ship Habbah Khatun at the Chennai harbour and set out for the Palk Bay for on-the-job training.

Once a few batches are trained for patrolling, the Coastal Security Group will begin patrolling the shallow waters.

The Centre has cleared the allotment of boats to the force. The idea is to train enough personnel by the time the boats arrive in the State.

The new method to enhance coastal security was mooted by the Coast Guard, which drew up the training patrol module with support from the Coastal Security Group police.

The CSG police personnel have been taken to the field to have a glimpse of the security scenario in the area.

The personnel, comprising an inspector and four constables, will be onboard throughout its patrol leg. On completion of the high seas patrol, the police personnel will conduct patrolling in the Palk Bay in the Coast Guard fast boats deployed from Mandapam for further training. "Jointly we will ensure that the coast of the Tami Nadu is well protected," says Inspector-General Rajendra Singh, Commander, Coast Guard Region, East, the architect of this idea.

Curbing illegal activities

The joint efforts will focus on sensitising fishermen and curbing illegal activities. The personnel will get first-hand information on the problems confronting the Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay and will help the Coast Guard curb nefarious activities. They will be introduced to the marine way of life. On completion of the first phase of deployment and training, they would have gathered enough experience, which will stand them in good stead when they patrol in their own boats.

The emphasis is on shallow water operations to curb near-shore illegal activities. The impact of such training will be analysed and guidelines laid down to make coastal security patrol foolproof, Mr. Singh said.

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