The Indian Coast Guard on Friday commissioned the first of a series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited.
ICGS Aadesh was commissioned by Vice-Admiral Satish Soni, Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command, at the yard.
After the commissioning, Vice-Admiral Satish Soni pointed out the need for having synergy among various stakeholders of coastal security to ensure that events like the Mumbai attack never ever repeat.
Terming Coast Guard one of the most internationally-acclaimed organisations, the Admiral dwelt on the wide range of maritime activities that the force has undertaken. After the Mumbai attack, coastal security efforts have been strengthened.
The renewed AIS (Automated Identification System) chain and coastal radar network would give a fillip to the coastal security efforts, he pointed out.
Commodore K Subramaniam, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard, referred to orders from the Indian Coast Guard.
He pointed out that the ship-building industry is going through difficult times.
He also explained how the yard overcame challenges during the building process.
Two ships of the class have been delivered to the Coast Guard and the third would also be delivered by the month-end, he added.
Commander Coast Guard Region West Inspector-General S P S Basra said the vessel would be stationed at Tuticorin and will add to patrolling along the coast of Tamil Nadu.
DIG T P Sadanandan CGRPS (K) and DIG Chandran, COM DIS(IV), were also present.
The ship commanded by Commandant S R Nagendran will be based at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and have a complement of five officers and 34 men.
ICGS Aadesh was delivered on September 25. The second Fast Patrol Vessel was delivered on October 30 and the third vessel, which is currently undergoing trials, is expected to be ready for delivery soon.