The Belize Coast Guard Service was established in November 2005 with the assistance of the United States Coast Guard.
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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.[1]
The Coast Guard Service coordinates its activities with the Belize Defence Force and the Belize Police Department. [2]
As of November 2009, the Coast Guard service has a strength of 120 men and women, referred to as "guardsmen."
Commandant of the Belize National Coast Guard is Captain John Borland.[1]
The chief base of the Belize Coast Guard Service is located at mile 4 on the Western Highway. [2]
The new headquarters was built with the assistance from the US southern command. It was formerly located at Ladyville.
The Forward Operating Base at Calabash Caye was inaugurated on March 17, 2010. It was built at a cost of $3,000.000.00. [3]. Boats are stationed at Caye Caulker and San Pedro under the operational control of Ladyville. [3]
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).
On April 2010, the Coast Guard received two Boston Whaler Justice 37' patrol boats. Shortly they will receive an additional "Justice" and two Secure All-around Flotation Equipped (SAFE) boats. [4]
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