It was formed in late 2018 under the umbrella of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and was officially made as its own entity in 2021.

[2] In 2018, the People's Progressive Movement-led coalition government pledged to form a Coast Guard to protect the interests of the Islands, especially in terms of illegal immigration and illegal drug importation as well as Search and Rescue.

[5][6] In late November 2019, it was announced that the Cayman Islands Coast Guard would become operational in January 2020, with initial total of 21 Coast Guardsman, half of which would come from the joint marine unit, with further recruitment in the new year.

[1][2] The Cayman Islands Coast Guard is responsible for maritime security, maritime enforcement of local laws and international laws in Cayman Islands waters, and compliance with conventions regarding safety at sea and pollution prevention.

The Cayman Islands Coast Guard has a few land based vehicles, including SUVs and trucks.