| Another group that performed specialized duties were the Border Security Boats units. Manned by three crew members, these special navy boats provided maritime patrol support along the inland waterways near the East/West German border and in Berlin. Although technically naval assets, the boat units were under the command of the regional Grenztruppen border command although training of the crews fell under the naval Coastal Border Brigade. The Coastal Brigade was responsible for patrolling the coastlines of East Germany on land and sea. |
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With numerous lakes and waterways in the Berlin area, Border Command Central had the most boat assets with three boat companies that prowled the waterways looking for escapees. In Border Command North's area of operation one boat company cruised the Elbe River and another boat company prowled the Seen River providing patrol support. Between the five navy companies used by these commands a total of 50 boats were used for border control operations on the inland waterways. A typical crew of the patrol boats consisted of three sailors. The Boat Leader and Helmsman were non-commissioned officers with the third member of the crew being a conscript sailor. Although both crew and boats belonged to the East German Navy (Volksmarine), they were under operational control of the Grenztruppen. |
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 Crews
that served on the inland waterways wore hats that signified they were members
of the Grenztruppen der DDR. Crews serving in the coastal areas wore hats
that bore the name of the Grenzbrigade Kueste.
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