On March 25, 2024, the ICGS Samudra Paheredar, a Pollution Control Vessel operated by the Indian Coast Guard, arrived at Manila Bay in the Philippines. The vessel’s visit is part of an initiative to demonstrate the Indian Coast Guard’s expertise in marine pollution response and its commitment to addressing pollution concerns in the ASEAN region. It also aims to strengthen the relationship between the Indian Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard. The three-day visit will serve as an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the ICGS Samudra Paheredar and to engage in bilateral discussions with the Philippine Coast Guard.This deployment, which spans from March 25 to April 12, 2024, to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, signifies the third consecutive outreach by the ICG to ASEAN nations. In 2023, the ICG’s Pollution Control Vessels had previously visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, reinforcing the initiative’s objectives.
Throughout this mission, ICGS Samudra Paheredar is scheduled for port calls at Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, and Muara. The vessel is well-equipped with state-of-the-art marine pollution control apparatus and a Chetak Helicopter, configured specifically for Pollution Response operations. These assets are instrumental in containing and recuperating oil spills, thereby bolstering operational capabilities. The itinerary includes conducting Pollution Response training and showcasing various equipment at the designated ports.
The ship has recently taken on board 25 cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to participate in the “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan”. It is a government-led initiative aimed at extending its reach globally through collaboration with partner countries. As part of an international exchange program, the NCC cadets will join the ICG crew, partner agency representatives, Indian Embassy/Mission staff, and local youth organizations in beach clean-up activities and similar environmental endeavors during the ship’s port calls.
The significance of this visit is underscored by its role in fortifying bilateral relations with pivotal maritime agencies in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei. The ICG has established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Coast Guards of the Philippines and Vietnam, focusing on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security. These partnerships have matured over time, fostering a secure, safe, and environmentally conscious maritime domain in the region. The agenda for the visit encompasses professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, and both official and social engagements, including visits to capacity-building facilities.
About ICGS Samudra Paheredar: ICGS Samudra Paheredar, stationed at the Eastern seaboard of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, operates under the command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran. The vessel has a commendable track record of executing a multitude of Coast Guard operations, which include Pollution Response, surveillance along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)/Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), combating transnational crimes, and conducting Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.