Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has inducted the second of the eight Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) it ordered from the Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
The ship, ICGS Rajtarang was commissioned into the force by India's Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju at an event in Chennai in the presence of ICG Director General Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan.
The 50-metre IPV is equipped with advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors and equipment. At its economical speed of 16 knots, it has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.
The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), and an indigenously built Gun Mount with Fire Control System. The ship is designed to carry one Rigid Inflatable Boat and two Geminis for Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement and Maritime Patrol.
ICGS Rajtarang, literally meaning 'Royal Musical Note', will be based at Chennai, which is the headquarters of an ICG district, and will be under the administrative and operational control of the Coast Guard Region (East) Commander.
The ship will enhance the ICG’s capability to undertake operation to further maritime safety and security, and coastal security on the eastern seaboard.
With the commissioning of ICGS Rajtarang, the force level of ICG has gone up to 71 ships and boats, and it would reach 150 surface platforms by 2018.
The ship is commanded by Commandant JI Jose, who is a specialist in logistics management. The ship has a crew of five officers and 30 enrolled personnel. |