from daijiworld's special correspondent in Panaji
Panaji, Oct 24: ICGS Savitribai Phule, an extra fast patrol vessel, to be deputed at Mangalore in Karnataka for coast guard duties would be commissioned on October 28.
This ship will be the fifth and last in the series of extra fast patrol vessels built by M/s Goa shipyard limited for Indian coast guard.
File picture of an extra-fast patrol vessel (XFPV) of the Indian Coast Guard
V K Mishra, secretary, defence, will be chief guest for commissioning while vice admiral R F Contractor, director general Indian coast guard and other senior officers will be present for the commissioning ceremony at Vasco.
The ship is manned by five officers and 32 crew members and it will be based at Mangalore under operational and administrative command of western region headed by inspector general A Rajashekhar.
Adding XFPV to the coast guard fleet with high speed capability and superior operational planning platform will enhance the effectiveness of the patrol mission of Indian coast guard.
The vessel is technologically advanced with sophisticated equipments like integrated electronic chart display and information system, which are interfaced with radar, auto pilot, DGPs and other navigational aid.
The 265 tones ship has a maximum range of 1,500 nautical miles and can attain speeds in excess of 35 knots. The global maritime distress safety systems on the ship console enables receipt of distress calls from fishermen and other merchant marine vessels at high seas thereby facilitating search and rescue missions in an effective manner.
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