The far-flung islands in the archipelagic Bahamas create a theatre for a plethora of maritime law enforcement scenarios. Strategic deployment of assets and optimum use of trained personnel allows the Force to remain effective in the vast expanses of The Bahamas.

The Defence Force has seven (7) core departments, whose activities are coordinated by Head of Departments (HODs) acting on directives from Headquarters. Major policy directives originate from the Ministry of National Security.

The Squadron Department of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is commanded by the Squadron Commanding Officer. This section is the seagoing arm of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, its aim is to assist in the execution of the Force’s mandate. They are responsible for the timely deployment of all Royal Bahamas Defence assets. Squadron also carries the responsibility of investigating and executing all search and rescue operation reported to the Force.

The Engineering Department's daily operations are directed by the Base Engineering Officer. The Engineering Department is responsible for the smooth running of the fleet’s machinery. The men and women, who are technically equipped to carry out the department’s mandate, ensure that all machinery and equipment fitted in the Defence Force's hardware are maintained, operational, and kept to a high level of working condition.

The Administration Department, under the command of the Base Executive Officer bears the responsibility for personnel, their movement and transportation, as well as the cleanliness of the Base.

Commando Squadron has the responsibility of all Outposts, the Detention Centre, an operation and training team, as well as armory staff. This also includes two small units operating the YEAST programme in Andros, and the port in Abaco. This departments operations are spearheaded by the Commando Squadron Commanding Officer.

The primary objective of the Supply Department is to provide timely logistical support to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Fleet and other support units attached thereto.

The Training Officer and the staff of the Training Department are responsible for conducting new entry training, advancement and recurrent training, and Course Design.

The operations of the Airwing department are directed by the Airwing Commanding Officer. This department conducts aerial reconnaissance as well as provide for personnel transportation.

DEFENCE FORCE MISSIONS

ANTI-NARCOTICS - Thwarting the sea borne drug trade in The Bahamas is a major focus of the Defence Force. The Deterrence efforts and joint operations with other Bahamian and United States law enforcement agencies have succeeded in reducing the transshipment of narcotics through The Bahamas.

FISHERIES RESOURCES PROTECTION - Prevention of violations in the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone will remain vital for a country whose economic diversification depends to a large extent on the development of its marine resources.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION - Illegal migration continues to contribute to the Bahamas' immigration problem. In 2002, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force apprehended over 4,000 illegal immigrants.

DISASTER RELIEF- The Defence Force remains the most mobile and trained force available to render assistance in the event of natural disasters.

CEREMONIAL - Units of the Defence force provide ceremonial duties such as Honour guards and Flag Bearers for most national functions.

SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) - The Defence Force, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association, and the United States Coast Guard execute SAR cases in The Bahamas.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION - The ATONs in The Bahamas are maintained by the Defence Force, with the assistance of the Port Department. The ATON's, mainly lights and floating buoys, assist mariners in locating their positions, and warn of nearby dangers and obstructions.

PORT SECURITY - The Port Security Detachment at the Prince George Wharf was detailed shortly after September 11, 2001. The detachment's purpose is to prevent unlawful acts or interference with passenger ships, ferryboats, and facilities at the wharf.

OUTPOSTS - The Defence Force has a strategic base at Matthew Town, Inagua. It is envisaged that this base will be expanded to accommodate the 198' Bahamas Class vessels in the near future. The Inagua base commissioned in 1996. Also in the future of RBDF are satellite bases in the Northern and Central Bahamas. In New Providence, the Defence Force provides security at Bahamas Government establishments as well as foreign embassies located here in the Bahamas.

POWERS - Royal Bahamas Defence Force Officers and Marines have certain powers of Custom Officers, Peace Officers, and Fisheries Officers, while on duty.