Until the 2020s, Myanmar was among the few Asian countries without a dedicated offshore patrol force. The Myanmar Coast Guard (“the Coast Guard”) was officially established on 6 October 2021 as a maritime law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Defence (“the Ministry”). On 17 July 2025, the State Administration Council (“the SAC”) enacted the Myanmar Coast Guard Law (Law No. 41/2025) (“the Law”) to formalize the Coast Guard’s organization based on its existing structure and provide a legal framework for the performance of its duties. The Law consists of 13 chapters and 47 sections. A summary is provided below for general reference and understanding.
Scope and Objectives: The Law applies to both domestic and foreign vessels and aircraft, maritime infrastructure (including seaports), and businesses operating within the maritime territory. However, it expressly excludes domestic naval vessels and military aircraft from its scope. The Law aims to safeguard the State sovereignty and security at sea, prevent and combat illegal maritime activities, implement maritime safety and rescue operations, protect marine resources and the blue economy, and promote international and inter-agency cooperation.
Responsibilities Overview: Under the Law, the Coast Guard is primary responsible for maintaining maritime security and protecting sovereignty of the State across its maritime zones. It is empowered to investigate and take action against illegal activities such as drug and arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, terrorism, unlawful entry, and piracy. The Coast Guard also oversees security and law enforcement of maritime infrastructure, the blue economy, and seaports, and is required to coordinate with relevant government agencies.
In addition to enforcing navigation safety measures and inspecting vessels entering Myanmar’s waters, the Coast Guard is tasked with protecting marine environments and ecosystems and performing coastal and port State functions in cooperation with domestic and international organizations. It conducts maritime search and rescue operations, provides humanitarian support, and assists the Navy during national emergencies. The Law also promotes the Coast Guard to establish training programs in line with international standards and to promote awareness of marine conservation and pollution prevention.
Furthermore, the Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring maritime safety by cooperating with relevant agencies to protect vessels, monitoring the movement of hazardous or nuclear-powered ships, and enforcing compliance with international safety standards. It oversees nuclear-powered operations in the contiguous and exclusive economic zones, manages wreck removal, and inspects vessels entering seaports. The Law also requires vessels entering Myanmar’s territorial waters to report voyage and cargo information in accordance with prescribed regulations. The Coast Guard is expected to cooperate with the Navy in accordance with the Ministry’s directives to prevent maritime security threats and respond to risks affecting seaports, vessels, individuals, goods, or blue economy activities.
Marine Protection and Rescue Roles: The Law outlines the Coast Guard’s duties in protecting the marine environment and responding to pollution within Myanmar’s maritime boundaries. It authorizes the Coast Guard to stop and inspect vessels involved in suspected illegal extraction of marine resources or causing environmental harm. It may also investigate individuals, vessels, or enterprises suspected of polluting or improperly operating maritime or offshore facilities. The Coast Guard is further empowered to conduct marine search and rescue operations.
Powers Beyond National Waters: The Coast Guard may cooperate with domestic and foreign authorities to prevent and investigate incidents of piracy, arrest fugitives fleeing into maritime zones, and request or delegate assistance in the pursuit of offenders on the high seas or outside Myanmar’s jurisdiction.
Prohibited Activities: The Law prohibits any person or vessel from engaging in activities that may harm the blue economy, obstruct navigation, interfere with maritime traffic, or pollute Myanmar’s maritime territory. It also prohibits the construction of structures such as piers or jetties without government permission and the authorized entry or residence on islands designated as uninhabitable. Vessels are not permitted to display false markings, or unauthorized flags, nor are they allowed to carry forged documents. Those entering the exclusive economic zone must provide accurate information as required by the Law. Any floating electricity generation facilities are also prohibited from causing pollution or damage to the marine environment and ecosystems.
Offenses and Penalties: Violations of the Law may result in criminal liability, with penalties ranging from imprisonment of up to two years to life, fines from fifty million Kyats to one hundred million Kyats, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. In some cases, offenders may also be required to compensate for damages, remove illegal constructed structures at their own expense, and pay daily fines of ten million Kyats for failing to comply with restoration orders. Where the offender is a foreign national, legal action may be initiated either under this Law or the Extradition Law, as applicable. In addition, the Coast Guard is authorized to take action under the Penal Code against anyone obstructing the stopping, inspecting, or searching a vessel. All fines imposed under this Law must be paid through channels designated by the Central Bank of Myanmar.
Conclusion and Business Implications: The Myanmar Coast Guard Law establishes the legal framework for the Coast Guard’s roles in maritime security, law enforcement, environmental protection, and search and rescue within Myanmar’s maritime zones. The Law will have practical implications for businesses engaged in shipping, port operations, logistics, and offshore infrastructure, particularly in relation to inspections, reporting requirements, and environmental compliance. As regulatory enforcement increases, companies should review their operational procedures and monitor forthcoming implementing regulations to ensure readiness and compliance.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
