Police have now ‘no issues’ in sharing ‘no issues’ in sharing

“I am of the firm opinion that coastal policing is our duty,whatever the stance has been in the past. We had a meeting on this issue recently and clear instructions have been given to carry out coastal security duties to the best of our abilities with the resources available,” he said.

“Of course,it is true our men are not adequately trained for the job. Merely two days of training on the sea by Coast Guard is not adequate. However,we have to do our best until there is any other arrangement or order from the government,” the police chief added.

With monsoon over,Mumbai Police would be expected to take up patrolling after a break of three months during which Coast Guard and Navy alone ensured coastal security.

Under the central coastal security scheme,police are responsible for patrolling waters up to five nautical miles from the shore,Coast Guard for the zone between five and 12 nautical miles and Navy beyond. However,on several occasions after 26/11,city police have attempted to shrug the responsibility citing various reasons.

Last year,then commissioner Arup Patnaik had written to the home department urging police be exempted from coastal duties. However,the home department brushed off the repeated police gripes.

Nearly 100 helpers on boat and 12 steering wheel controllers and eight engine drivers have since been recruited by Mumbai Police for coastal security. Rules have been amended to allow ex-Navy men to be hired. Two coastal police stations are operational in the city.