New Delhi: As a part of overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines on a three day visit.
During this deployment, the ship which arrived at Manila Bay on Monday, is scheduled to make port calls in Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Muara (Brunei), an official statement said.
The ship is equipped with specialized marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak helicopter in pollution response configuration, designed to contain and recover spilled oil and augment the operation.
The demonstration at visiting ports includes pollution response training and a practical display of various equipment.
This visit holds significant importance in strengthening bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies.
ICG has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) towards Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security with the Coast Guards of the Philippines and Vietnam.
These relationships have evolved over the years to ensure the safety, security, and marine environment concerns in the region. The visit’s agenda includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, as well as official and social engagements, including visits to capacity-building facilities.
The visit of specialized Pollution Control Vessels is part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstration of ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities and shared concern and resolve towards Marine Pollution in the ASEAN region, besides bolstering bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The ICG ship is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries namely the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei from 25 March to 12 April. The deployment is the third in a row by the Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN countries. Earlier in the year 2023, ICG Pollution Control Vessels visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia as part of the initiative.
