'Sarathi' boosts Coast Guard force level

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned the third in a series of six offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), 'Sarathi' at Goa today. The ship, 105-meter long vessel, has been designed and built indigenously by the Defence Ministry owned Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is fitted with most advanced state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries. The features include 30 mm CRN 91 Naval Gun, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Power Management System (PMS) and High Power External Fire Fighting System.

The ship is designed to carry one twin engine Light Helicopter and five high speed boats including two Quick Reaction Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea.

The ship was commissioned by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Also present was Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, ICG Director General Rajendra Singh, Chairman & Managing Director Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) Rear Admiral (Retd) Shekhar Mital among others.

As per the official statement, "The ship draws 2500 tons (GRT) propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots and has an endurance of 6500 nautical miles at economical speed. The ship will be based at Kochi and will form part of the Naval Training Squadron". ICGS 'Sarathi' will be commanded by Commandant Atul Joshi and manned by 14 officers & 98 men. The ship will be under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).

As on date, ICG has 123 ships/boats. At least 68 ships/boats are at various stages of construction at different shipyards.