Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Samudra Paheredar’ to Asian Country

Deployment Overview

• • Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines, on March 25, 2024, for a three-day visit.
  • The visit is part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, from March 25 to April 12, 2024.
  • This deployment is the third in a row by the Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN countries, following similar visits to Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia in 2023.

Purpose and Objectives

• • The primary objective of the deployment is to demonstrate the Indian Coast Guard's Marine Pollution Response capabilities and shared concern and resolve towards Marine Pollution in the ASEAN region.
  • The visit aims to bolster bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies.
  • It serves as a platform for professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, and official and social engagements, including visits to capacity-building facilities.

Ship Capabilities and Equipment

• • ICGS Samudra Paheredar is 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 augment pollution response operations.
  • During port calls, the ship will conduct demonstrations, including Pollution Response training and a practical display of various equipment.

Engagement with Partner Nations

• • The Indian Coast Guard has Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security with the Coast Guards of the Philippines and Vietnam.
  • These relationships have evolved over the years to address safety, security, and marine environment concerns in the region.
  • The visit's agenda includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, and official and social engagements.

"Puneet Sagar Abhiyan" Initiative

• • As part of the Government's "Puneet Sagar Abhiyan" initiative, the ICGS Samudra Paheredar has embarked 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets.
  • The NCC cadets, in coordination with the ship's crew, partner agencies, Indian Embassy/Mission staff, and local youth organizations, will undertake beach cleanup and similar activities during the port calls.
  • This initiative aims to provide an international outreach and promote environmental awareness and marine conservation efforts.

ICGS Samudra Paheredar and its Commander

• • ICGS Samudra Paheredar is stationed on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The ship is under the command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran.
  • Over the years, Samudra Paheredar has successfully undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including Pollution Response, IMBL/EEZ surveillance, counter-transnational crimes, and Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR).

This deployment of the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar to ASEAN countries highlights India's commitment to regional cooperation, maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in the Indo-Pacific region.