Operational capabilities of the Coast Guard department of MIA Border Police of Georgia is increased by commissioning of 4 “Defender” type modern patrol boat. Acquisition and handing over of the boats, was implemented in the framework of the “SAFE” Project, by the financial support of European Union (EU) and with the coordination of International Organization of Migration in Georgia (IOM).

Commissioning ceremony of new boats was held at the Poti Coast Guard base. The Director of Coast Guard Department of the Border Police, Captain Ramaz Papidze hosted Head of IOM in Georgia, Mrs. Sanja Celebic Lukovac, Deputy Head of Cooperation of EU Delegation in Georgia, Mr. Catalin Gherman and UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia Mrs. Sabine Machl.

During the Ceremony commanding officers of the new boats solemnly raised Georgian national Flags on the boats.

New boats are equipped with modern navigation, maritime monitoring and communication systems. Boats are proven platform for patrols, response, port security, law enforcement and search and rescue (SAR) in nearly any mission environment.

Captain Ramaz Papidze, Director of Georgian Coast Guard Department expressed the gratitude to the guests.

EU actively continues to support Border Integrated Management Process in Georgia which means assistance of the border management systems development. IOM in the framework of the cooperation with the Georgian Border Police and with the support of EU plans the implementation of the important projects.