Indian Coast Guard ship visits PH
By Betheena Unite
An Indian Coast Guard ship arrived in the country Friday to fulfill its mission to strengthen coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Shaunak” arrived at Pier 15, South Harbor, Port Area in Manila where PCG rendered arrival honor ceremonies to welcome their Indian counterparts.
A passage exercise (PASSEX) will be held between the PCG and the Indian Coast Guard “to practice communication, strengthen interoperability and enhance coordination.”
According to the PCG, the Indian vessel was designed and built by Goa Shipyard limited. Its features include 30mm Close Range Naval gun, integrated bridge system, integrated machinery control system, power management system and high power external firefighting system.
“The ship was designed to carry one twin engine light helicopter and five speed boats including two quick reaction inflatable boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol,” PCG said.
The visiting vessel is commanded by Deputy Inspector General Bibhuti Ranjan, who was welcomed by Captain Genito Basilio, deputy chief of Coast Guard Staff for Operations; and Commander Angel Viliran, director of Coast Guard Action Center.
Ranjan and his men then paid a courtesy call on Admiral Elson Hermogino, PCG commandant.
They will visit PCG’s facilities, among them the Coast Guard Action Center, National Coast Watch Center, Coast Guard K9 Force in Coast Guard Base Taguig and on one 44-meter multi-role response vessel.
