Why in the News? 

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) took part in the 20th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in Incheon, South Korea. The meeting addressed several topics, including maritime law enforcement, the safety and security of life at sea, marine environment protection, illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and humans, as well as future areas of cooperation. 

About HACGAM

• It is an annual event hosted by one of its member nations on a rotational basis.  
• History 
  • It was launched after the capture of the pirated vessel MV Alondra Rainbow by the Indian Coast Guard in November 1999. 
  • It was initiated by Japan in 2000 to promote cooperation among regional coastguards. 
• Motto: Safe, Secure and Clean Seas 
• Members 
  • Participating Countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. 
  • Participating Region: Hong Kong 
  • Associate Member: Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP)  and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). 
• Objectives 
  • It aims to build and enhance capabilities within coast guard organizations across the Asian region. 
  • The cooperation promoted by member organizations is designed to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment and cleaner seas in the region. 
  • It also fosters good relationships and mutual trust among member organizations through continuous efforts. 

Monogram of HACGAM

About ICG 

• Founded: 1^st February 1977 
• Formed: 18^th August 1978 
• Headquarters: New Delhi 
• Motto: VAYAM RAKSHAMAH - WE PROTECT 
• It is an Armed Force, Search and Rescue and Maritime Law Enforcement agency under the Ministry of Defence. 
• It is the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world. 
• The blueprint for a multidimensional Coast Guard was conceived by the visionary Rustamji Committee. 
• Functions 
  • To protect our ocean and offshore wealth including oil, fish and minerals. 
  • To assist mariners in distress and safeguard life and property at sea. 
  • To enforce maritime laws with respect to sea, poaching, smuggling and narcotics. 
  • To preserve marine environement and ecology and protect rare species. 
  • To collect scientific data and back-up the navy during war. 

The Crest of the Indian Coast Guard