Objectives
In 1974, the Government of India set out to create an autonomous coast guard to protect the nation's long coast line. This coast guard was modelled on the lines of the British (HMCG) and American (USCG) coast guards. Like many coast guards around the world, the Indian Coast Guard has borrowed the white paint scheme and "racing stripe" from the U.S. service. The dress uniforms are similar to their American counterpart.
An interim Indian Coast Guard was set up on February 1, 1977 equipped with modern weaponry and quick sea craft with the help of the Indian Navy. The duties and functions of the service were formally defined in the Coast Guard Act, which was passed on 18 August 1978, and came into effect the next day.
The Indian Coast Guard conducts exercises with the other coast guards of the world. In 2006, the Indian Coast Guard conducted exercises with Japanese and Korean counterparts. In May 2005, the Indian Coast Guard agreed to set up liaison links with Pakistan Coast Guard.

History
The Coast Guard is headed by a Director General with a rank equivalent to a Vice Admiral. The force has a strength of 5440, including 633 officers. Its headquarters is based in the capital, New Delhi. It has:

three Regional Headquarters at Mumbai, Chennai, and Port Blair
one District headquarters in each of the nine coastal states and 2 in the Union territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
Twenty nine Coast Guard stations at places like Vadinar, Haldia, Kakinada, Okha, Tuticorin and Mandapam.
two air bases, in Daman and Chennai
Air enclaves at Goa, Kolkata and Port Blair.
A new station has been recently commissioned in Pondicherry Bases
The Coast Guard began with two old frigates handed to it by the Navy and five small patrol vessels. It has since grown to a sizeable fleet of 75 ships and watercraft and 44 aircraft and helicopters. The coast guard relies on a variety of seafaring vessels equipped with modern detection facilities. They include patrol boats of various speeds and capabilities, defence boats, air cushion vehicles and interceptor craft. The air arm of the coast guard boasts has Dornier Do 228 airplanes and Chetak and Dhruv helicopters. The Indian Coast Guard has plans to induct 2 Advanced offshore patrol vessels, 3 Offshore patrol vessels, 3 Patrol crafts, 11 Interceptor boats, 21 patrol vessels, 4 Fast patrol vessels, aircrafts and helicoptes into service.
Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPV's)
Sankalp class (AOPV's) (2 being built)
Samar class (AOPV's) (4 in service)
Vikram class Offshore Patrol Vessels (9 in service)
Fast Patrol Vessels (8 in service)
Extra Fast Patrol Vessels (7 in service)
Inshore Patrol Vessels (13 in service)
Seaward Defence Boats (2 in service)
Interceptor Boats (12 in service)
Inshore Patrol Crafts (5 in service)
Interceptor Crafts (8 in service)
Hovercrafts (6 in service)
Pollution control vessels (3 on order)

Vessels

See also