The branch currently has a strength of 3,000 personnel and is mainly equipped with patrol crafts, minesweepers and a research vessel.

Following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union, the fleet shrank, leaving the Kazakh contingent to serve as a basis for the newly formed navy.

The base, which was stationed in Aktau, initially became active in service on August 17, 1996, in spite of Kazakhstan being one of the largest landlocked countries on earth.

In July 1999, the naval base became part of the Maritime units of the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan.

It was reorganized into a naval institute on July 10, 2003, effectively upgrading its status as a nationally recognized military school.