KUWAIT CITY, July 21: Colonel Musaed Abdul Salam Al-Shatti, Assistant Director General of the Coast Guard Directorate, has emphasized that Kuwaiti territorial waters are rigorously monitored by a sophisticated radar system, operating continuously under the vigilant supervision of Coast Guard officers and personnel.

In a recent interview with a local daily, Colonel Al-Shatti detailed the essential role of the Coast Guard in securing Kuwait’s territorial waters and beaches. This includes preventing smuggling and illegal infiltration, preserving the safety of seafarers, ensuring the security of maritime traffic, and enforcing maritime laws through the inspection of ships and boats.

Colonel Al-Shatti addressed ongoing issues with smuggling attempts and illegal infiltration, noting that Coast Guard personnel are prepared to respond with legal force if necessary. He stressed that such actions are conducted in strict adherence to international and local laws, as well as human rights.

The Colonel revealed that there is extensive cooperation and information exchange with neighboring countries to bolster maritime security. This collaboration includes bilateral and multilateral agreements with neighboring and GCC countries aimed at enhancing maritime security and combating piracy, smuggling, and illegal immigration.

The Coast Guard's primary responsibilities include securing the country's beaches, territorial, adjacent, and economic waters. This involves preventing illegal activities, ensuring maritime safety, and conducting search and rescue operations. The Coast Guard also inspects ships and boats to ensure compliance with maritime regulations.

Colonel Al-Shatti acknowledged the challenging nature of the Coast Guard’s work, which involves operating under harsh conditions and around the clock. Despite these challenges, the dedication to saving lives remains a strong motivator for personnel.

Kuwait’s territorial waters are equipped with a state-of-the-art radar system that operates around the clock to monitor maritime traffic and enforce legal standards. This system plays a crucial role in tracking ship movements and ensuring the safety of navigation.

Regarding security breaches, Colonel Al-Shatti highlighted that the Coast Guard is well-trained and equipped to handle various maritime threats, including piracy and smuggling. Training and exercises with GCC and other friendly nations are integral to maintaining high readiness levels.

The Coast Guard faces frequent smuggling attempts, including drug and weapon trafficking. Colonel Al-Shatti confirmed that in some cases, confrontations may occur between Coast Guard personnel and smugglers. These situations are managed in accordance with legal procedures and international standards.

The Coast Guard maintains robust cooperation with neighboring countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. This collaboration includes joint maritime patrols and the exchange of information to secure territorial waters and combat illegal activities.

The General Administration of the Coast Guard is transitioning to full electronic operations, including marine transport services and licensing. This shift aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Colonel Al-Shatti also addressed issues with radar system malfunctions, noting that while technical failures can occur, the Coast Guard has plans in place to manage such issues, including maintenance and the use of backup systems.

Coast Guard operations involve both strategic planning and immediate responses to threats. Collaboration with the General Department of Drug Control has led to significant successes in thwarting drug smuggling operations, including recent seizures of hashish and narcotic pills.

Colonel Al-Shatti affirmed that Kuwait's maritime borders are among the safest, thanks to strong regional cooperation and stringent security measures. The Coast Guard's role extends to protecting islands and overseeing maritime activities, ensuring the security of Kuwaiti waters.

The Coast Guard's continuous efforts, advanced technology, and international partnerships play a pivotal role in safeguarding Kuwait’s maritime borders. Their commitment to maintaining maritime security and responding to emerging threats underscores the importance of their mission in protecting both the nation’s waters and its people.