600 CISF men trained by Navy for coastal security

New Delhi, Aug 31: To enhance security of ports and economic installations in the post 26/11 scenario, the Navy has trained 600 CISF personnel to specially deal with security threats to such places from the seaside or waterfront.

"We have provided training to CISF personnel to secure ports and other vital economic installations situated at coasts from the waterfront side. These men have been trained for watermanship and will be deployed at all ports," Navy sources told PTI.

Though some major ports in the country were already put under CISF security following the increasing security needs, the force started training its men to deal with security threats which could emerge from the traffic coming to these ports from the seaside.

The three to four weeks training program, which was conducted in different batches, took place at Chilka naval base in Orissa.

Besides orientation on different aspects of port security, the CISF men were given training in handling boats and basic navigation skills, the sources said.

The Navy had also asked CISF to employ retired naval personnel to enhance capability in guarding vital economic assets on the coastline and ports.

Meanwhile, to increase electronic surveillance capability on the Indian coastline, the government has further approved installation of coastal radars, Automatic Identification System (AIS) and purchase of Fast Interception Craft (FIC) for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

PTI