ICG Vessel Arnvesh Commissioned
VISAKHAPATNAM: The fast patrol vessel (FPV) of the Indian Coast Guard ‘ICGS Arnvesh’ was commissioned here at Visakhapatnam on Monday, by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, Vice-Admiral HCS Bisht. The 300-tonne and 50-m long vessel is propelled by triple Rolls Royce Kamewa water jets and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots. This is the 16th vessel among the 20 vessels in this category being constructed by Cochin Shipyard limited.
Speaking during the commissioning of the vessel, Admiral Bisht lauded the efforts of ICG in guarding the coastal security.
Explaining the role of ICGS Arnvesh, Inspector General, Commander Coast Guard Region (East) SP Sharma said the FPV will primarily focus on surveillance at the sea, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling operations, anti-piracy apart from the routine search and rescue operations.
“ICGS Arnvesh will enhance Coast Guard’s capability in furthering its mandate of maritime safety, security on the eastern sea board,” the IG explained. The FPV is manned by five officers and 34 personnels under the command of Commandant Amit Uniyal.
Coast GuaRd on expansion mode
Commander Coast Guard Region (East) SP Sharma said that Coast Guard is on an expansion mode, as its role in safe guarding the maritime assets in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has increased over the years. “By 2019, there will be atleast 150 ships and 100 aircrafts under operation. Moreover four new ships will be added to the eastern region by next year”, Sharma added. At present ICG has 120 ships, 63 aircrafts and 10,000 men, spread across its 42 CG stations, five CG air stations and 10 CG air enclaves. The eastern region from Odisha to Tamil Nadu, alone has 33 commissioned ships, 11 non-commissioned crafts and 15 aircrafts.