New Coast Guard uniform introduced

A new uniform has been introduced for Coast Guard personnel on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.

To inaugurate the new uniform, the headgear of the uniform was presented by Minister of Defence Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim at a ceremony held at the conference room of the Coast Guard Building this morning.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nazim said that the purpose of introducing a separate uniform for the Coast Guard is to ensure a modern arrangement for the force that is similar to other countries, and to facilitate the same level of professionalism for Maldivian Coast Guard as other countries in the region.

Nazim said that numerous efforts will be made this year to improve MNDF, including renovation of the accommodation for MNDF personnel, obtaining equipment required by MNDF, and expansion and improvement of the MNDF military hospital.

In addition, MNDF Cooperative (SIFCO) will be requested for a low-cost system of accommodation for MNDF personnel and their families that go abroad for medical treatment; and special training will be provided to MNDF personnel to enhance their capability in carrying out due responsibilities.

The first uniforms used by MNDF included a white uniform for daytime and a red one at night. By 1979, changes had been made to the uniforms on four occasions. A law on uniforms of MNDF personnel came into effect on 21 April 1998.