Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, has arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines, initiating its three-day visit on March 25, 2024. This visit serves as part of a broader initiative to demonstrate the Indian Coast Guard’s prowess in Marine Pollution Response and underscore shared concerns about marine pollution across the ASEAN region. Moreover, it aims to fortify bilateral collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The deployment of specialized Pollution Control Vessels to ASEAN nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, represents the latest stride in the Indian Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to enhance regional cooperation. This deployment follows a similar endeavour in 2023, encompassing Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
During its deployment, Samudra Paheredar will dock at Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Muara (Brunei). Outfitted with cutting-edge marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak Helicopter configured for Pollution Response, the vessel stands ready to efficiently manage and contain oil spills. The ports of call will witness demonstrations featuring Pollution Response training and practical showcases of diverse equipment.
In a notable initiative, the ship has accommodated 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets under the government’s “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” program, aiming to extend international outreach in partnership with allied nations. During the ship’s port calls, these cadets, alongside the ship’s crew, personnel from partner agencies, Indian Embassy/Mission staff, and local youth organizations, will engage in beach clean-up activities and similar endeavours.
This visit assumes considerable significance in reinforcing bilateral ties with pivotal maritime agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies. The Indian Coast Guard maintains Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Coast Guards of the Philippines and Vietnam, focusing on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security. These collaborative efforts have evolved to address safety, security, and environmental concerns within the region. The visit’s agenda encompasses professional exchanges, joint exercises, cross-deck visits, as well as official and social engagements, including tours of capacity-building facilities.
ICGS Samudra Paheredar, stationed on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, operates under the command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran. Over the years, Samudra Paheredar has undertaken numerous Coast Guard operations, including Pollution Response, surveillance in the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)/Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), counter-transnational crimes, and Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
