Page 23 - MDSL Final

UNDERSTANDING MARITIME DOCTRINE
territorial waters. It was envisaged peacetime duties of the colonial
naval forces mainly would be; 9
• Coast Guard and customs controls.
• Fisheries protection.
• Port and harbour services.
• Inland water transport.
• Surveying.
• Air-sea rescue.
• Transport of troops to neighbouring islands.
• Keeping the white ensign flying.

The Royal Navy Harbour Tugs had served as training ships in pre-war
days and continued to serve CRNVR as commissioned ships after 1938.
HMS Flying Fish, a Canadian built ‘Algerine’ class ocean minesweeper
was acquired by Ceylon in 1949 as the Royal Ceylon Navy’s first ship.
The vessel was officially transferred to the CRNVR. HMS Flying Fish was
commissioned as HMCyS Vijaya. Rt. Hon. DS Senanayake, first Ceylonese
Prime Minister received the vessel on behalf of the Government of
Ceylon. 10

What is Doctrine?

The word ‘doctrine’ has originated and derived from the Latin word
‘doctrina’, which implies ‘a set of beliefs’, ‘particular principles’ or ‘a
body of teachings’. It is also referred to as ‘a belief or a system of beliefs
accepted as authoritative by a group or party’. It thus serves as guidance
for shared understanding, provides a framework of beliefs and teachings
that guide a group in its actions.

What is Military Doctrine?

NATO defines doctrine as, ‘fundamental principles by which military
forces guide their actions in support of objectives. It is authoritative but
requires judgment in application.’ Essentially, military doctrine guides
our armed forces on how to conduct themselves on operations. It is also
a body of professional knowledge and a common basis for understanding
the nature and conduct of armed conflict.

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 5