INDIAN COAST GUARD COMMISSIONS OPV ICGS VIJIT

11-Dec-2010


Indian Coast Guard Ship Vijit, the 2nd in the series of 90 meter Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) was commissioned at Goa by M M Pallam Raju, the Hon'ble Minister f State of Defence on 11 Dec 10 in the presence of Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, CMD Goa Shipyard Limited and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State Government. 'Vijit' meaning "Winner or Victorious" is a projection of Indian Coast Guard's will and commitment 'To serve and protect' the maritime interest of the nation.

This 90 Mtrs OPV has been designed and built indigenously by M/s GSL and is fitted with most advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries by means of state-of-the-art technology. Her 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 Search and Rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to combat any 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 4500 nautical miles and can stay at sea for 15 days without any replenishment. The sustenance and reach coupled with the latest and modern equipment and systems, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and accomplish all Coast Guard charter of duties.

The ship on joining Coast Guard Fleet will be deployed extensively for the EEZ surveillance and such other duties as enshrined in Coast Guard Charter. The vessel will be exploited extensively in the North Western region, more so along the sensitive International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Pakistan, to safeguard the maritime interests of India. 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. With the commissioning of this vessel and other assets, the Indian Coast Guard is bound to be one of the strong and potent force of the world.

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).

In the present security scenario, with increased threat from sea bound terrorism, the induction of a sophisticated and state-of-the-art Offshore Patrol Vessel will definitely give a significant boost to the maritime protection of the Indian coast. The commissioning of ICGS Vijit will enhance the Indian Coast Guard commitment to safe guard Indian territorial water for maritime surveillance and search and rescue operation.


AMR