The 50 th Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard

By Raju Vernekar

Mumbai: The 50 th Raising Day 2026 of the Indian Coast Guard was celebrated by the ICG Regional Headquarters, West, with vibrant cultural extravaganza at Tata-NCPA auditorium in South Mumbai on February 01,2026.

 Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, FoC-in-C, Western Naval Command, graced the celebrations as Chief Guest along with CG Veterans, officers, Enrolled Persons, Families, members of sister services and the maritime fraternity. The event celebrated 5 decades of unwavering commitment to Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, indigenization and saving lives and enabling of Maritime prosperity for the nation, furthering the unshakeable coordination and synchronisation between the stakeholders.

 ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani participated in a function in New Delhi. He congratulated all the employees for their dedication.

 Headquartered in Delhi, the force maintains vigil over 20.1 lakh sq. km of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and 11,098.01 km of coastline. Since its inception, the organisation has “rescued over 11,800 lives”, forging a legacy defined by compassion and courage, earning recognition as the enduring ‘Saviors at Sea’ By 2030, the ICG is “poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft, firmly establishing itself among the world’s premier coast guard services,” the ICG said in a statement. In 1977, it had just seven surface platforms.

 The Western Region (headquartered in Mumbai) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Arabian Sea, often hosting celebrations attended by state officials.

 Raised on 1st February 1977, the Indian Coast Guard was envisioned to address emerging maritime challenges and safeguard India’s expanding maritime interests. From modest origins, it has grown into a powerful, versatile, and highly respected maritime force entrusted with maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance.

Passing out parade …ICG law and Operations Course 81 st batch

In another development, a passing out parade of 81 st batch, in which a total of 23 Assistant Commandants passed out after successful completion of the CG Law and Operations Course, , was held on January 28 at Indian Coast Guard Training Centre (CGTC), Kochi, Kerala

 On this occasion, an impressive Passing Out Parade was held at Indian Coast Guard District.

Headquarters No. 4, Kochi. During the CG Law and Operations Course, the officers were imparted instructions on Coast Guard specific subjects such as Maritime Law, Search and Rescue, Boarding, Fisheries Monitoring & Control, Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution and other subjects related to the ICG Charter of Duties.

 The trainees also underwent capsule courses at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) on Fisheries Technology and at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) in Customs, Rummaging and Narcotics Control. The training at CGTC (K) has been conducted with due impetus to build up professional calibre, practical broad base knowledge and critical thinking skills in the Officer trainees which are the key requisites for manning state of the art platforms of Indian Coast Guard, handling critical & dynamic situations at sea, besides also for grooming them for a career with the Indian Coast Guard.

 The Passing Out Parade was reviewed by Inspector General Tekur Sashi Kumar, Commander Coast Guard Region (North West). During the ceremonial review, the Flag Officer awarded the Sword of Honour and Book prizes to trainee officers. The coveted “Director General Sword of Honour” for the 80th Batch was awarded to Assistant Commandant BGVS Jagan for standing first in overall order of merit of his course.

Speaking on the occasion, the Flag Officer advised the trainees to always put Nation and the Service before everything else as the Nation and its Citizens, as a whole, have reposed tremendous faith in the armed forces.