Guyana Coast Guard

It is mandatory for the Coast Guard to patrol Guyana’s waters, seeking to stem the tide of illegal maritime activities ranging from fuel smuggling and narco-trafficking, to piracy. The Coast Guard is also required to patrol the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which includes its marine fisheries’ assets and newly discovered hydrocarbon deposits; it must also seek to ensure the safety and security of the lawful exploration activities being conducted by foreign investors in the EEZ.

A naval section of the GDF was created in 1968 and consisted of four small patrol craft. During the 1970s and 1980s, the naval component gained additional vessels although it remained the smallest element of the GDF; it had four vessels in the early 1990s. Officially known as the Maritime Corps, the naval section numbered 100 personnel in 1991. Based in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, the navy had no marine force or aircraft.

The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990, sometimes referred to as the Coast Guard Act, provides for the Guyana Coast Guard to be created out of the existing Maritime assets of the Guyana Defence Force for the enforcement of laws applicable to the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This means that there is already legislative authority for the establishment of a Coast Guard Service in Guyana.

The role of the Coast Guard is to conduct Maritime Surveillance of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); To enforce all Maritime Laws on and under the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of Guyana; and To conduct operations in support of land forces.

Tasks of the Coast Guard

1. Fisheries Protection Patrols.
2. Coastal Surveillance.
3. Harbour Patrols.
4. Anti Smuggling Operations.
5. Anti Narcotic Operations.
6. Search and Rescue.
7. Safety at Sea
8. Riverain Small Boat Operations
9. Maintain Port Safety and Security.
10. Troop Transport.
11. Monitor Maritime Pollution.
12. Surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
13. Maintenance of the Integrity of the EEZ.
14. Civil Defence Operations.
15. Conduct Maritime Traffic Management.
16. Conduct Maritime Training for GDF.
17. Advise Defence Headquarters on Maritime Affairs.

Threats to the Coast Guard 

1. Illegal Fishing
2. Smuggling
3. Trafficking in illegal drugs and weapons
4. Piracy/ Armed robberies at sea
5. Maritime Pollution
6. Maritime Terrorism
7. Median Line Integrity
8. Flooding

The acquisition of the Force’s fast patrol boat and its off shore patrol craft represent the major capital acquisition. Other smaller patrol craft, helicopters and weapons were acquired through government to government barter arrangements and could not reflect as a significant capital inflow into the Force’s budget.

The GDF Coast Guard added two new Metal Shark 38ft DEFIANT boats to its fleet. Commander in Chief and President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, David Granger, handed over the keys to GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, at the ceremony at which the boats were commissioned. The new vessels were christened the GDFS 1033 and GDFS 1034.

Addressing the assemblage at the 29 March 2017 commissioning ceremony, the Commander in Chief emphasised the necessity for the purchase of the vessels. He explained the challenges to the nation’s security posed by the breadth of waterways which crisscross Guyana, adding that the several and increased economic activities in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, demanded a more robust posture toward the safety and security of the nation’s economic and territorial patronage.

In brief remarks, Brigadier Patrick West explained that the decision to purchase the two vessels was sprung, following the excellent performance of three similar vessels which had been acquired from the USA under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. “Some time ago, in 2014, the GDF commissioned three similar Metal Shark vessels, the GDFS 1028, GDFS 1029 and the GDFS 1030. The sterling performances of those vessels, demonstrated that they were the ideal platform for conducting surveillance, interdictions, and countering illegal maritime activities,” he said. The COS thanked the government of Guyana for its support in ensuring that the current acquisitions were made. He pledged that the new assets would be professionally utilised in the conduct of the Coast Guard’s remit.

The new additions, pegged at G$140 million apiece, bring to seven, the total number of such boats owned by the Coast Guard. The “Sharks” were purchased from the USA, and their acquisition signals forward movement on the required recapitalisation of the Coast Guard.

The new and larger vessels are each equipped with three 300-horsepower engines. With such engine power, the boats will have much longer endurance over their older counterparts. They also offer more “crew comfort”, and as such, the vessels can stay operational for longer periods of time.