Dehradun, Feb. 1 -- Women officers.

Raising Day - 1 February

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrates its Raising Day on 1 February. Raised on 1 February 1977 as an interim organisation, it is the fourth 'uniformed' armed force under the control of the Ministry of Defence. Commencing operations with two old frigates and five seaward defence boats of the Navy, the ICG today has a fleet of 155 ships and 78 aircraft, and is expanding.

The organisation is governed by the CG Act, 1978. It provides absolute clarity on the service's mandate, a well-defined mission statement, and the required freedom to execute its charter. According to the Act, the mission of this multifaceted organisation is to 'safeguard the national maritime interests' in t...