Mari, Cyprus. Cyprus will establish an independent coast guard headquartered at the naval base in Mari following cabinet approval on Tuesday. The plan will consolidate maritime monitoring and enforcement functions currently split across multiple departments.
Cabinet-approved proposal and legislative steps
The proposal, presented by Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, sets out a new operational model to unify responsibilities, with draft legislation to be submitted to parliament to enable the transfer of services.
Expanded mandate and integrated capabilities
The new coast guard will assume full responsibility for monitoring, control and law enforcement from the coastline to the limits of the republic’s exclusive economic zone and search and rescue region, bringing together capabilities that have operated separately.
Assets and personnel from the police marine unit, police helicopter squadron, the fisheries department and the hydrographic service will be integrated into the coast guard structure, alongside other relevant bodies.
Rationale, oversight and leadership
Fitiris said the reform is intended to address longstanding fragmentation. “We are a small state and there is a dispersion of responsibilities. The time has finally come to join forces, cut costs and have rapid response with high efficiency,” he said.
A coordinating committee involving the affected departments will be established to oversee the transition, ensuring the transfer of resources and operations is carried out smoothly and within a tight timeframe.
The coast guard will operate as an autonomous service, separate from the police, and is expected to be led by a maritime operations specialist rather than a serving police officer.
Infrastructure and funding
Infrastructure upgrades are planned at the Mari naval base to support both vessels and administrative functions, with the project expected to be largely financed through EU funding.
Background
The initiative follows earlier ministerial discussions to strengthen national maritime security while reducing duplication of roles.
What impact do you expect the new coast guard to have on maritime security and response times in Cyprus?
