The state police now plans to seek help from the retired personnel of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guards to man speedboats procured for coastal security across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. They plan to recruit masters and engine drivers on a contract for 11 months, and are also in search of recruits who can repair and maintain the boats. According to sources, each recruit would be paid Rs. 25,000 a month during their tenure.

The additional deputy commissioner of the state intelligence department has written to the Bureau of Sailors at Mankhurd and the Commander, Port Defence, Indian Navy, specifying their requirement.

After the 26/11 attacks, the Indian Navy had proposed the recruitment of ex-servicemen from the Navy and Coast Guards to man the state police boats. But, the police had then decided to train their men for the job.