Myanmar Coast Guard

The Myanmar Coast Guard () is a maritime law enforcement agency formed to safeguard Myanmar's ocean-based blue economy including marine tourism, maritime trade, deep seaport services, offshore oil and natural gas production and marine fishing, to prevent illegal trespassing in the seas, and to maintain the rule of law at sea. The Myanmar Coast Guard has a constabulary role in the protection of maritime interests, provides search and rescue for victims in the sea, and works toward sea environmental conservation, monitoring a wide range of activities underwater and above water in Myanmar's water territory.

History

Background

Until the 2020s, Myanmar was one of the few Asian countries that did not have a force dedicated to offshore patrol. Maritime security was ensured by the Myanmar Navy and the Myanmar Police Force's Maritime Police. Operational demands eventually outstripped their abilities, and the superior operational and diplomatic benefits of a paramilitary organization were recognized.

On 14 March 2019, Myanmar's deputy defence minister submitted a proposal to the Pyithu Hluttaw to establish a national coast guard. The then-civilian government was making efforts to "civilianize" national security affairs and therefore wanted to establish the coast guard under either the Ministry of Transport and Communications or the President's Office. However, according to the 2008 Constitution, all of Myanmar's armed forces are controlled by the Chief of Defence Services.

Establishment

Initiated by the Aung San Suu Kyi-led NLD government in 2018, the Myanmar Coast Guard was formally established on 6 October 2021 at Thilawa Port in Thanlyin by Min Aung Hlaing, the ruling junta of the country since the February coup. It operates under the Ministry of Defence, in close cooperation with the Myanmar Navy, the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development, the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and the Myanmar Police Force. The new force's remit is to guard Myanmar's 1930km of coastal territory and its territorial waters, which encompass 23,070km² and about 1000 islands.

Vision

To protect and safeguard the national maritime interests of the country, the safety and security of the marine environment, and To preserve and protect for law enforcement at sea from the main coastline to the exclusive economic zone, both from the sea and from the air.

Missions

1. To maintain and protect the sovereignty, stability, rule of law and jurisdiction along the Myanmar coastline and in the territorial sea zones.
2. To protect and preserve the national interests of the sea, blue sea businesses and pollution of the marine environment.
3. To provide maritime safety, security and humanitarian assistance in the territorial sea zones and internal waters of Myanmar.
4. To enhance cooperation with international organizations, coast guards of neighboring countries, and domestic and foreign maritime organizations.
5. To assist the Myanmar Nay in times of national emergency.

Tasks

1. Maritime safety.
2. Maritime security.
3. Protection of maritime interests and blue economy.
4. Maritime search and rescue.
5. Humanitarian assistance and natural disaster relief.
6. Maritime border control.
7. Fisheries control.
8. Law enforcement at sea.
9. Maritime customs control.
10. Marine environment protection.
11. To assist Myanmar Navy

Vessels

The Myanmar Coast Guard started out with four former Navy patrol vessels. These vessels bear the pennant numbers P 311, P 312, P 411 and P 412.

Offshore Patrol Vessels

Patrol vessels

Fast Patrol Vessels

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Myanmar Coast Guard
Paramilitary organisations based in Myanmar
2021 establishments in Myanmar
Coast guards
Defence agencies of Myanmar
Law enforcement in Myanmar
Military units and formations established in 2021