New civilian-led coast guard
Cyprus is set to establish an independent coast guard, consolidating the country’s fragmented maritime surveillance capabilities under a single service. The headquarters will be at the “Andreas Papandreou” Base in Paphos, following Cabinet approval of the proposal yesterday.
Consolidation of maritime units
Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris presented the operational model, detailing the units to be brought under the new authority. Legislation will be sent to Parliament to enable the transfer of services currently operating under different ministries.
Expanded responsibilities
The Cyprus coast guard will assume full responsibility for surveillance, control, and law enforcement from the coastline to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Search and Rescue region. It will unify capabilities currently spread across the Police Marine Unit, Police Helicopter Squadron, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Hydrographic Service, and other related bodies.
Transition and upgrades
A committee drawn from the involved departments will manage a smooth transition. Upgrade works at the “Andreas Papandreou” Base will include vessel infrastructure and administrative facilities. Minister Fytiris emphasised that the initiative aims to strengthen maritime security and surveillance efficiently, at minimal cost, and in the shortest timeframe possible.
EU support and civilian leadership
The project will be largely EU-funded and led by a civilian outside the police ranks, signalling that the new service is a civilian maritime authority rather than an extension of law enforcement.
Also read: Paphos tragedy: Restaurant worker found dead, woman in serious condition
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