ICGS ‘Sarathi’ Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)
Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Sarathi’ Commissioned on 09.09.2016
- Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Sarathi’, third ship in the series of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) was commissioned by the Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on 09.09.2016 at Goa, in the presence of Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, Director General Indian Coast Guard Shri Rajendra Singh, Chairman & Managing Director Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) Rear Admiral (Retd) Shekhar Mital and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State Government.
- ‘Sarathi’ meaning charioteer is a projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and commitment ‘To serve and protect’ the maritime interest of the nation.
Special Features of ICGS Sarathi
- This 105 meters OPV has been designed and built indigenously by GSL and is fitted with most advanced state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries.
- The features include 30 mm CRN 91 Naval Gun, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Power Management System (PMS) and High Power External Fire Fighting System.
- The ship is designed to carry one twin engine Light Helicopter and five high speed boats including two Quick Reaction Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea.
- The ship draws 2500 tons (GRT) propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots and have an endurance of 6500 NM at economical speed. The sustenance and reach coupled with the latest and modern equipment and systems, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and accomplish all Coast Guard charter of duties
- The commissioning of ICGS ‘Sarathi’ will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capability to discharge the multifarious maritime tasks. With the increased threat from sea borne terrorism, the induction of a sophisticated and state-of-the-art OPV will give a fillip to the maritime security of our vast coastline and in particular the maritime State of Kerala and island territories of Lakshadweep and Minicoy.