Belize Coast Guard Service

The Belize Coast Guard Service was established in November 2005 with the assistance of the United States Coast Guard.

Missions

Its missions include internal security, search and rescue, hurricane preparation, and disaster relief. Its commander, Brigadier General Cedric Borland, also noted a key mission is cruise ship protection. [Love FM. "Maritime Security Critical for Belize's Development." http://www.lovefm.com/ndisplay.php?nid=6131, accessed 7-27-2007.]

The Coast Guard Service coordinates its activities with the Belize Defence Force and the Belize Police Department. [Channel 5, Belize, newscast, Tuesday, July 24, 2007. Transcript posted at http://new.channel5belize.com/archive_detail_story.php?story_id=18944, accessed 7-27-2007]

Personnel

As of July 2007, the Coast Guard service as a strength of 56 men and women, referred to as "guardsmen."

Its commander Cedric Borland, is a retired brigadier general of the BDF.

Bases

The chief base of the Belize Coast Guard Service is Ladyville. An additional base is being built at Kalabash Caye, with construction scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2008. Boats are stationed at Caye Caulker and San Pedro under the operational control of Ladyville. [Love FM, Belize. "Belize Coast Guard Service Enhances Capabilities". July 24, 2007, http://www.lovefm.com/ndisplay.php?nid=6128, accessed 7-25-2007.]

Equipment

In 2007, the Coast Guard Service has eight boats in commission. There are no aircraft; for air searches the Coast Guard Service relies on the Belize Defence Force.

The Belize Coast Guard Service will receive several fast boats from the United States Coast Guard in 2008. These boats will have a maximum speed of 60 to 65 miles per hour (100 to 108 km/h).

References