The Federal shadow community spokesman, Mark Latham, says Indigenous people in the Northern Territory's coastal communities will be encouraged to join a volunteer coast guard program.

The plan is part of the Federal Opposition's plans to upgrade coastal surveillance.

Mr Latham says there are some communities that play a role in Coastwatch but do not get much support from the Federal Government.

He said under a Federal Labor government that would change.

"We've got a policy that would give them training, some financial incentives, lower boat registration costs to be part of our badged coast guard volunteers program," Mr Latham said.

"We want to give them the equipment that also assists so, you know, we can do a lot more to encourage people to be the eyes and ears of the nation."