Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard is responsible for the maritime capabilities of the TTDF. The Coast Guard consists of a number of vessels designated CG<number>. The current Commanding Officer is Captain (N) Hayden Pritchard.
Its mission statements is to "To Defend the Sovereign Good of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and to provide on a continuous basis, quality service for security and safety within the Maritime Boundaries, and in any other area of responsibility agreed to by the State to fulfill its International Obligations".
The Coast Guard is primarily involved with the Drug Trade interdiction as well as Search and Rescue within the waters of Trinidad and Tobago and neighboring Islands. However the Coast Guard has been involved in major incidents. During the 1970 Army Mutiny in Trinidad and Tobago, the Coast Guard prevented the mutineers from convoying to Port of Spain by firing on an access road from the Regiment base at Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas.
National Roles of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard include:
- Surveillance of the Waters under T & T Jurisdiction
- Logistical Support to T & T Land Forces
- Port Security (ISPS Code)
- Assistance in Scientific Research
- Aid to Civil Law Enforcement
- Anti-Smuggling / Counter-Narcotic Operations (MOF)
- Fisheries Protection and Enforcement (MAL&MR)
- Pollution Surveillance and Enforcement (MPU&E)
- Safety of Shipping (MOW&T)
Operational Tasks
- Keeping surveillance of the nation's off-shore installations
- Environmental protection, minor salvage and local maritime surveys
- Cooperating with other naval forces.
Fleet[edit | edit source]
The Coast Guard operates a trio of Port of Spain-class corvettes which were built by BAE Systems Surface Ships in the United Kingdom.
On April 29th 2015, the Ministry of National Security contracted with Dutch company Damen Shipbuilders for four 51-metre 28-knot coastal patrol vessels, two 54-metre fast utility boats and six 11-metre 53-knot interceptors.
