The Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized c Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines, on 25th March 2024 for a three-day visit. This visit is part of a broader initiative aimed at showcasing the Indian Coast Guard’s Marine Pollution Response capabilities and addressing shared concerns about marine pollution in the ASEAN region. It also aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The Samudra Paheredar is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, from 25th March to 12th April 2024. This deployment marks the third consecutive visit by the Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN countries, following a similar initiative in 2023 where Pollution Control Vessels visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
During its deployment, the ship will make port calls in Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Muara (Brunei). Equipped with specialized marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, the ship is designed to contain and recover spilled oil and assist in pollution response operations. The visit includes Pollution Response training and practical demonstrations of various equipment at the visiting ports.
In addition to its primary mission, the ship has embarked 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets to participate in the government’s “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” initiative, providing international outreach and coordinating with partner nations. The NCC cadets, along with the ship’s crew and partner agencies, will undertake beach cleanup and similar activities during the port calls.
The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies. The Indian Coast Guard has Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Coast Guards of the Philippines and Vietnam towards Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security. The agenda includes professional exchanges, joint exercises, and visits to capacity-building facilities.
About ICGS Samudra Paheredar:
ICGS Samudra Paheredar, stationed on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is under the Command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran. It has undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including Pollution Response, surveillance, counter-transnational crimes, and Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR).
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