Independent Federation of Australia Coast Guard
Having 19,650 kilometres of coastline, Australia relies heavily on the Independent Federation of Australia Coast Guard
(IFACG) force to defend its coast. It's duties include border protection, search and rescue, enforcement of maritime law, safety of vessels and support of Independent Federation of Australia Navy
(IFAN) operations in the littoral theatre.
In addition, there are several private volunteer coast guard organizations, the two largest organizations being the Australian Volunteer Coastal Patrol
(established in 1937) and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard
(established in 1961). These volunteer organizations have no law enforcement powers, and are essentially auxiliary Search and Rescue services.
The IFACG was originally the Patrol Boat Force Element Group
(FEG) of the IFAN until transfer to the new portfolio in 1995. The National Headquarters is located in Canberra with the regional state bases being:
- IFACG Base Rockhampton, Queensland
- IFACG Base Weipa, Queensland
- IFACG Base Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
- IFACG Base Bega, New South Wales
- IFACG Base Port Melbourne, Victoria
- IFACG Base Hobart, Tasmania
- IFACG Base Port Adelaide, South Australia
- IFACG Base Geraldton, Western Australia
- IFACG Base Christmas Island
- IFACG Base Darwin, Northern Australia
IFACG Australian Aerospace Jetstream 31EZ aircraft carry out the bulk of aerial maritime surveillance but the aerial fleet also includes specialised fixed-wing patrol aircraft and helicopters undertaking electronic and visual surveillance of Australia's coastline and offshore maritime areas. All IFACG aircraft are based and maintained at Independent Federation of Australia Air Force (IFAAF) Depots.
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There is no "I" in TEAM but there is a ME
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Current Worklist:
Redrawing my entire AU after a long absence from Shipbucket