ICGS Vijit, the 2nd in the series of 90-meter offshore patrol vessels (OPV) was commissioned at Goa earlier today. The vessel is designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd. Features include an integrated bridge system (IBS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS), power management system (PMS), high power external fire fighting system (ABS Fi-Fi Class-1) and one indigenous close range naval (CRN) 91 gun mount along with an optical fire control system for day and night usage. The ship is designed to carry one twin engine light helicopter and five high speed boats for SAR, law enforcement and maritime patrol. The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to combat oil spill contamination at sea. The ship is fitted with advanced Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) making it an apt platform to carryout search and rescue operations in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
The ship draw 2390 tons and is propelled by 2 x 9,100KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 26 Knots. At economical speed, it has an endurance of 4,500 nautical miles and can stay at sea for 15 days without any replenishment.
The ship will be deployed extensively in the North Western region, along the sensitive International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Pakistan. To further augment the existing force level and bolster operational prowess, 01 more Offshore Patrol Vessel, 02 Pollution Control Vessels, 33 Fast Patrol Vessels, 12 Hovercraft and 61 Interceptor Boats are at various stages of construction at difference shipyards.
ICGS Vijit, will be manned by 08 Officers and 82 men under the command of Deputy Inspector General Naresh Kaul and will be based at Porbandar under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (NW).
61 interceptor boats is too little a number……. atleast 350 in needed to check smuggling through the sea route,
sir… any updates on when the mi-17s from russia will arrive???
great…
Shiv, Can you also focus on Police and intel reforms? The last time I heard about them is after 26/11.
"The vessel is designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd."
How beautiful it looks out to be. I mean both the ship and the words.
Good improvement…..