By Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
 
Panaji, May 26: Goa’s marine police force got the second batch of Interceptor Boats for the coastal security which will help the police to man the 105-km long coastline along with the river boundries.
 
Post-Mumbai attack, Goa has begun its exercise to strengthen the coastal security and induction of these boats will help the police to move quicker and also indulge in combat operations along the sea shore and river banks, a top level police official said.
 
The boats classified in 5 tonnes and 12 tonnes category are built at Goa ShipyardLlimited (GSL), India’s one of the prominent defence shipbuilding public sector company.
 

“The first batch of Interceptor boats were delivered in April 2009 and the construction of third batch of boats is in full swing by GSL for delivery to the various States’ Coastal Security Police as per the schedule promulgated by Ministry of Home Affairs,” a press release by GSL mentions.
 
“With the successful construction of these boats indigenously, GSL has become the first Indian Shipyard to have constructed and delivered these type of boats, for meeting the country’s Coastal Security needs,” it adds.
 
“The 5T boat is 9.60mtrs long capable of operating at 35 knots on full load with an endurance of 75 nautical miles with 25% reserve fuel capacity. The boat can carry 4 crew members alongwith patrolling party of 10 persons and fully equipped with life saving, fire fighting & communication facilities,” officials stated.

The boats are fitted with two Out Board Motors of 275 HP each for propulsion and maneuvering. The Wheel House is fitted with antiballistic panels for protection of patrolling crew to withstand a threat of an AK47 assault rifle at 10 metre range.

“The 12T boat is 13mtrs long capable of operating at 35 knots on full load with an endurance of 75 nautical miles with 25% reserve fuel capacity. The boat can carry four crew members alongwith patrolling party of 16 persons and fully equipped with life saving, fire fighting & communication facilities. The boats are fitted with two In Board Main Engines of 500 HP each with waterjet propulsion,” officials stated.

“These boats have been designed and constructed for deployment in Indian territorial waters for day and night surveillance and investigation of suspected vessels in and around harbour, anchorage and along the sea coast. The boats are highly seaworthy and unsinkable type having 10% reserve buoyancy even when filled with water,”  officials stated.