Coast Guard to get new assets as repairs continue

The Ministry of National Security has rallied the various arms of law enforcement in the continued fight against crime, which has resulted in greater efforts to improve maritime security.

Acknowledging the T&T Coast Guard (TTCG) had encountered challenges with its naval fleet, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal, Darryl Daniel, yesterday confirmed, “Approval has been received and is being actioned for the immediate repair of some of our smaller vessels, and the acquisition of immediately available vessels of appropriate size and functionability for use by the Coast Guard.”

Speaking during a media briefing at the Ministry of National Security, Port-of-Spain, Daniel said this was being done even as the current maintenance contracts which had been signed to refit the larger capital assets are ongoing.

He added that the intention is to “have these assets back in service within 18 months on a phased basis.

Daniel assured that following this period, the eight larger vessels belonging to the TTCG will be once again operational.

Meanwhile, he said the process had also commenced for additional new naval assets to address the identified gaps the maritime domain awareness and control.

Pre-empting questions about the timeline of the acquisition of new assets and the refurbishment and refitting of existing assets, Daniel said global shipping challenges had to be considered, as items were not being shipped on a timely basis.

He said, “This continues to impact the acquisition or the arrival of parts and spares to get our vessels back serviceable.”

Despite this, he assured the TTCG was ready to work alongside other arms of law enforcement in the fight against crime.

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