Saint Kitts and Nevis does not possess a traditional navy. Instead, maritime defense and security are managed by the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard, which operates as the naval component of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF).
St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard
Established as a distinct entity in 1997, the Coast Guard is headquartered at Bird Rock, Basseterre. Its primary responsibilities include:
- Maritime Security: Patrolling territorial waters to deter and respond to illegal activities such as smuggling and unauthorized fishing.
- Environmental Protection: Enforcing ecological regulations and leading responses to maritime environmental incidents, including oil spills.
- Disaster Response: Assisting in relief operations during natural disasters and emergencies.
- Search and Rescue: Conducting operations to assist vessels and individuals in distress at sea.
The Coast Guard is structured into three main sub-units:
- Headquarters Department: Oversees administrative functions and strategic planning.
- Engineering Department: Responsible for the maintenance and technical readiness of vessels and equipment.
- Flotilla Department: Manages the operational deployment of the fleet, which includes five vessels such as the Stalwart.
Additionally, there is a Reserve Unit that supports the Coast Guard’s operations as needed.
International Collaboration
The St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard actively collaborates with regional and international partners to enhance maritime security:
- Regional Security System (RSS): As a member of the RSS, the Coast Guard participates in joint training exercises and operations aimed at strengthening regional defense capabilities.
- United States Partnerships: The U.S. has supported the Coast Guard through initiatives such as the refurbishment of nearshore intercept vessels, enhancing the federation’s maritime interdiction capacity.
- Oil Spill Response: The Coast Guard leads the national response to oil spills, coordinating with agencies like the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Management Agency to mitigate environmental impacts.
