Mumbai: With Rs 91.90 billion expected to be earmarked for the development and an expansion of their fleet of over 100 ships, the Coast Guard intends to increase its focus on the security of the nation's maritime boundaries and other activities like pollution control and search and rescue operations.

With the funds to be used over a period of five years between 2007 and 2012, the Coast Guard will be acquiring 23 aircraft and 52 new aircraft which will include three new Pollution Control Vehicles (PCVs) for the management of calamities like oil spills.

"The PCVs are being built in the ABG shipyard in Surat and we are expecting to receive the first one by the end of this year. Some old ships will be scrapped but they will be utilised to the fullest before doing so," A Rajasekhar, Commander Coast Guard region (west) told sources.

The Coast Guard presently has 73 vessels including interceptor boats, hovercrafts and fast patrol vehicles.