Important Facts For Prelims
ICGS Sachet
- 16 May 2020
- 3 min read
Why in News
Recently, the Defence Minister of India has commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet and two Interceptor Boats (IBs) C-450 and C-451 in Goa via video conference.
Key Points
- ICGS Sachet
- ‘Sachet’ means alert.
- It is the first in the series of five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.
- The 105 metre long ship is designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter, four high speed boats, one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search and rescue operations.
- The ship is also capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.
- It is for the first time in Indian maritime history that a ship was commissioned through digital medium, maintaining strict protocol of social distancing in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic.
- IBs C-450 and C-451
- These are indigenously designed and built by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard, Hazira and fitted with the latest navigation and communication equipment.
- The two 30 metre long boats are designed for high speed interception, close coast patrol and low intensity maritime operations.
- The quick response capability of the IBs makes it an ideal platform to respond and thwart any emerging maritime situation.
- The ICG, which is the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, has established itself as a reliable force in coastal security.
- The ICG along with Indian Shipyards plays a major role in realising India's SAGAR Vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Make in India or Self-reliant India Mission (Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan).
Indian Coast Guard
- It was established on 18th August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India.
- It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
- Headquarter: New Delhi.
- It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India including contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
- It is responsible for marine environment protection in maritime zones of India and is coordinating authority for response to oil spills in Indian waters.
