COAST GUARD
” SERVICE BEFORE SELF “
COMMANDING OFFICER
CAPTAIN DON POLO
Meet Captain Don Polo, the esteemed Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard since August 1st, 2020. With a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to maritime security, Captain Polo leads with unwavering dedication, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of our nation’s waters. His leadership inspires excellence, guiding the Coast Guard in fulfilling its mission to defend the sovereign good of Trinidad and Tobago.
Our Mission
To defend the sovereign good of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and to provide on a continuous basis, quality service for safety and security within it’s maritime boundries and any other area of responsibility agreed to by the state to fulfill its international obligation.
our roles & responsibilities
OUR HISTORY
The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) stands as a stalwart defender of maritime safety and security since its inception on 27 August 1962. Established as the maritime component of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), its headquarters proudly reside at Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas, a strategic location just 20 kilometers west of the capital city, Port of Spain.
With a force exceeding one thousand five hundred officers and ratings, bolstered by multiple bases, and fortified assets and infrastructure, the TTCG continues to chart a course forward in safeguarding the waters of Trinidad and Tobago. At its core, the TTCG shoulders the responsibility of maritime safety and security within the nation’s boundaries, playing a pivotal role in border surveillance and protection. From its inception, the TTCG has evolved into a multifaceted entity, embracing a range of duties vital to its mission. These encompass the detection of potential threats through advanced radar surveillance systems, the execution of maritime security patrols within territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, and the enforcement of international maritime protocols such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).
At the forefront of its operations lies an intelligence-driven approach, enabling the TTCG to identify, detect, and intercept potential threats to border security efficiently. Through the meticulous collection of qualitative and quantitative data, the Coast Guard remains vigilant, continually assessing and mitigating risks to maritime sovereignty. Moreover, the TTCG is resolute in combating illicit activities, including drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, wildlife poaching, and illegal immigration. Its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law extends to providing support during national crises, as demonstrated during pivotal events such as the 1970 Army Mutiny and the 1990 Jamaat al Muslimeen coup attempt.
Guided by its mission statement, “To Defend the Sovereign Good of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” the TTCG operates with a steadfast dedication to service, encapsulated by its motto, “Service Before Self.” Beyond its domestic responsibilities, the Coast Guard stands ready to fulfill its international obligations, enhancing ocean governance and regional security in the Caribbean.
In essence, the history of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard is one of unwavering commitment, marked by a legacy of service, sacrifice, and steadfast resolve in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and securing its borders.
headquarters
* base marked using navy blue marker *