HISTORY
The first ever Marine setup consisting of Marine Battalion and Amphibious Wing was established on 01 June 1971 to support riverine operation in former East Pakistan. However, as sequel to re-organization after 1971 war, the Force was disbanded in 1974.
Marine Setup comprising of Marine Battalion, Amphibious Wing and Marine Training Centre was reactivated on 14 April 1990 to provide security cover to Naval VAs/VPs, manning of AA assets, aid to civil power, ceremonial duties and training of personnel. The acting Commander M Obaidullah PN (P.No 1558) was designated as 1st Commanding Officer. It was decided to establish the Marine Battalion at QASIM Fort which was at that time under the operational control of PNS HIMALAYA. As a first step, PNS QASIM was commissioned as training Cum Depot Unit on 25 Nov 1990. The Commissioning Crew comprised of 08 officer, 67 CPOs/Sailors from general Service and 43 Marines UTs. Since its establishment Marines had performed their assigned task with utmost dedication and alacrity.
During the last decade, threat on the SE eastern borders increased manifolds, warranting an immediate response. Estimating the type and quantum of threat, Pak Navy proposed deployment of a sizeable force in the creeks. The then DCNS(O), Rear Admiral Shahid Karimullah SJ SI(M) vigorously pursued the case of an additional battalion and its phase wise development plan. Since, its inception, Creeks Battalion is deployed in its designated Area of Responsibility.
STATUS AND UTILIZATION
PNS QASIM is a versatile unit having large ambit of roles/tasks, which encompasses:
- Act as logistics base for Marines.
- Operational readiness of all segments of Marines.
- Defence of designated operational area in Creek.
- Provision of security coverage to VA/VPs of PN and sensitive projects of national importance.
- Aid to civil power and rendering of assistance in case of natural calamities.
- Provision of Air Defence cover to designated PN units and Karachi complex through deployment of Mistral Missiles and Air Defence Balloons.
- Responsible for conduct of basic and mid career course for Marines.
- Maintain liaison with other PN and Army Institutions for coordinating various courses of instructions.
- Supervision/career management of Marines.
- Ceremonial duties.
TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE
Owing to the nature of employment; Marines had been trained as naval Infantry covering both aspects of sea and land warfare. Marines are provided comprehensive training in unarmed combat, close quarter battle, security duties, swimming, small arms handling and Infantry tactics. Marines regularly avail various basic and advance courses at Army Institutions.
Marine training Centre (MTC) is on its path to attain self-sufficiency in training domain. Initially only basic Marine specific courses were designed and conducted at the Centre. However, with the expansion of Marine setup and its professional ambit, MTC also raised its instructional level and scope of courses. At present, Basic and Mid career level training of Marines is being conducted on regular basis. Apart from Marines' training, courses of varied nature for PNP, general Service CPOs/ Sailors, civil organizations and foreign trainees are also conducted at the Centre.
TRAINING COURSES
Marine Training Centre has always been alive to the training of its manpower in accordance with the dictates of the times. The under mentioned basic and professional courses are regularly conducted at the Centre.
- Basic Marine Course
- Basic Marine Officer Course
- Leading Marine Qualifying Course
- Petty Officers Marine Qualifying Course
- CPO Marine Qualifying Course
- Guard/VIP Escort Course
- Pakistan Navy Police Basic & Refresher Courses
FACILITIES
Marine Training Centre is equipped with modern training aid facilities to facilitate the conduct of various basic and advance level courses. Training aids include Computer Lab, Library, Gymnasium, Assault course, Watercrafts, models of weapons and instructional movies.
