COAS Commissions Veera
S. Vishnu Sharma, INN/Chennai, @svs037
Vishakapatnam was the centre of attraction on the defence arena recently. For it was from there a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) became a part of Indian Coast Guard. Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera (ICGS Veera) joined the fleet owned by the premier establishment on 15 April.
What made the occasion special was the presence of the chief of army staff. Amidst thunderous applause and fanfare, General Bipin Rawat rose to the occasion and commissioned the vessel in the presence of Director-General Rajendra Singh, Indian Coast Guard.
Veera means ‘audacious, brave, courageous’ is a projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and commitment to serve and protect the maritime interest of the nation. This 98 meter OPV has been designed and built indigenously by Larsen and Toubro Ltd (the shipbuilding arm) and is fitted with advanced technology navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery.
The vessel is fitted with a 30mm Naval gun and will be fitted with 12.7mm Gun with FCS. The ship is also equipped with an integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Automated Power Management System (APMS) and High Power External fire fighting (EFF) system.
The ship is designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats including two inflatable boats for boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. The ship is also capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea.
The ship displaces approximately 2200 tons (GRT) and is propelled by two 9100 kW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots. The ship has an endurance of 5000 Nautical miles at economical speed. The sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest and modern equipment and system, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and undertake tasks to fulfill the Coast Guard charter.
The ship will be based at Vizag. She will be deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter. ICGS Veera is commanded by Commandant Girish Datt Raturi and manned by 12 Officers and 94 men.
The commissioning of ICGS Veera will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capability to discharge the multifarious maritime tasks. The induction of this patrol vessel will give a fillip to the maritime protection of our vast coastline of Eastern Seaboard.
