In news– The indigenously built Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Sarthak’ that was built at Goa Shipyard Ltd(GSL), was commissioned and dedicated to the nation recently.
About OPV Sarthak-
- Sarthak is 4th in the series of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built by GSL for the ICG.
- These OPVs are multi-mission platforms capable of undertaking concurrent operations.
- The 105 meter long ship displacing 2450 tons is propelled by two 9100 kilowatt diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.
- The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, machinery, sensors and weapons which enable it to function as a command platform and undertake mandated Coast Guard charter of duties.
- With this equipment, it can conduct search and rescue, combating maritime crimes and preserving & protecting the marine environment.
- ICGS Sarthak, will be based at Porbandar (Gujarat) and operate on India’s Western Seaboard under the Operational and Administrative Control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (Northwest).
Status of Indian Coast Guard-
- The Indian Coast Guard currently has a fleet of 155 ships and 62 aircraft.
- Further, 35 ships are at various stages of construction at different Indian shipyards.
Goa Shipyard Ltd-
- It is an Indian Government owned ship building company.
- It is located on the West Coast of India at Vasco da Gama(Zauri river), Goa.
- It was established in 1957.
It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India.
Extra reading: https://journalsofindia.com/indian-coast-guard/
Source: Hindustan Times
