In an acquisition that would come in handy in undertaking multifarious close-coast surveillance and search-cum-rescue operations, two Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships, Apoorva and C-421, were commissioned into the service here on Monday at the hands of Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief.
In the presence of Additional Director General SPS Basra, Coast Guard Commander, Western Seaboard and Inspector General KR Natarajan, COMCG (W) and other senior dignitaries of the Armed Forces, MbPT (MBI), JNPT, DG Shipping, CISF and State Intelligence Bureau, the two newly built ships joined the ICG fleet.
ICGS Apoorva and C-421 have been designed and built by M/s Cochin Shipyard limited and l&T limited, Surat respectively.
ICGS Apoorva, 14th in the series of 20, is a 50 meter-long Fast Patrol Vessel that displaces 317 Tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots. The ship is commanded by Commandant (JG) Dinesh Dogra with a complement of 05 officers and 34 ranks. She is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, advanced communication and navigational equipment that make her an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast surveillance, interdiction, search & rescue and medical evacuation missions.
The ship, Apoorva, synonyms with ‘unparalleled’, will be based at Goa under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 11. The ship was commissioned at least one month ahead of schedule.
ICGS C-421 is an Interceptor Boat with 27.8 meter length and displaces 106 tonnes. The ship is commanded by Deputy Commandant Rohit Kulkarni with a complement of one officer and 13 ranks. C-421 is a water jet propelled vessel, 27th in the series of IBs constructed by l&T limited and can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots. The ship was commissioned nearly two years ahead of schedule.
Fitted with medium range armaments, the ship is designed for close coast and shallow water operations, Approva will be based at Androth (l&M Islands), under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 12.
In his address after commissioning the two ICG ships, Vice Admiral Cheema termed the two new fast patrol vessels were the work horses of the Indian Coast Guard. The Flag Officer also dwelt upon the fast paced development of the Indian Coast Guard and lauded the support of Government of India for the Coast Guard’s plan to increase force levels substantially to face the emerging security challenges in the maritime domain.
ADG SPS Basra, in his address, complimented the efforts of all concerned agencies, by way of proactive interaction and co-operation, in achieving the common goal of maritime and national security. The Flag Officer assured the commitment of the Indian Coast Guard in synergizing maritime operations along with all stakeholders to achieve the overall objectives.