Panaji: September 9, 2016 …. Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today commissioned modernly equipped patrolling vessel named `Sarathi` at Vasco. This vessel is third in the series of six off shore patrol vessels (OPV) built by Goa shipyard limited for Indian coast Guard.
Commissioning ceremony was held at Vasco Goa, in the presence of Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, Dy. CM Shri. Francis Dsouza, RDA Minister Smt Alina Saldhana, MLA of Vasco Shri Carlos Almeida, South Goa MP Advocate Shri Narendra Sawaikar, Director General of Indian Coast Guard Vice Adml. Rajendra Singh, CMD of Goa shipyard limited Shekhar Mittal, (Retd. Adml.) commanding officer of OPV Sarathi Mr Atul Joshi and other senior Dignitaries of state and central Govt.
Shri Rajnath Singh in his speech said that OPV Sarathi depicts Art of Indian Shipbuilding and will play instrumental role for Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding Indian sea and coastline. He also reiterated that coastal security system of Indian Coast Guard has become very crucial after 26/11 attack on Mumbai. Although Indian coast Guard has strongly prepared for any untoward incident, threat of maritime terrorism is still there. Now its need of the hour that no single development in the coastal area should go unnoticed, Minister further said.
Shri Rajnath Singh also informed that Home Ministry is very much keen in upgrading coastal security network by various initiative, such as community interaction programme, issuing ID cards to fisherman community, strengthening coastal security police stations. There are plans to start maritime training centres in coastal states. Home Minister congratulated Goa shipyard limited for building OPV Sarathi before deadline and also gaining high reputation in shipbuilding.
Shri Singh expressed concern about rise of pollution in sea waters. He asked Indian coast guard to take appropriate measures to curb these menace while ensuring the security of sea.
Director General of Vice Adml. Indian Coast Guard Rajendra Singh in his speech informed about various aspects of OPV Sarathi. CMD of GSL (Vice Adml.) Shekhar Mittal informed that GSL could deliver three OPV vessels to Indian coast Guard in the series of Six vessel within 9 months of time
This 105 meters OPV has been designed and built indigenously by Goa shipyard limited. This vessel is equipped with Integrated bridge system, Integrated machinery control system, power management system, High power external fire fighting system. This vessel is designed to carry one twin engine light helicopter and five high speed boats.
The vessel on joining coast guard fleet will be based at Kochi and will form part of the Naval Training Squadron , In Addition the ship will be deployed for other surveillance and to safe guard the maritime interest of India.
