ICGS Vigraha
Recently the Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Vigraha’ (ICGS Vigraha) has been commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Indian Coast Guard Ship Vigraha is an offshore surveillance ship.
It is the last in a series of 7 offshore surveillance vessels built by Larsen & Toubro (private company) under a defense contract signed in 2015.
The offshore surveillance ship ‘Sajag’ (OPV Sajag) was commissioned at the ICG in May 2021.
ICGS ‘Vigraha’
- It has a length of 98 meters and a width of 15 meters and a draft of 3.6 meters, with a displacement of 2,140 tons and a range of 5,000 nautical miles.
- It is capable of operating with a maximum speed of 26 knots per hour.
- It is equipped with advanced technology radar, navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery capable of operating in tropical marine conditions.
- It is also equipped with an Integrated Platform Management System, Integrated Bridge System, Automatic Power Management System and high power external fire fighting system.
- The vessel is armed with 40 to 60 Bofors cannon and is fitted with two 12.7 mm Fixed Remote Control Guns (SRCG) with fire control system.
Characteristic feature:
- Capable of carrying a twin engine helicopter and 4 high speed boats for search and rescue, boarding operations, law enforcement and maritime patrol.
- Capable of carrying pollution response equipment to prevent oil spills at sea.
Offshore Patrol Vehicles (OPVs)
- Offshore Patrol Vehicles are long-range surface ships capable of operating in India’s maritime areas, including island territories with helicopter operational capabilities.
- Their roles include coastal and offshore patrolling, policing, control and surveillance in India’s maritime areas, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations with limited wartime roles.
Indian Coast Guard:
- It is an armed forces, search and rescue and maritime law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It’s headquarter is in New Delhi.
- It was established in August 1978 as an independent armed force of India by the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
- The concept of creation of Indian Coast Guard came into existence after the 1971 war. The blueprint of the multi-faceted Coast Guard was prepared by the Rustomjee Committee.
- It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India including the Contiguous Zone and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- It is responsible for protecting the marine environment in India’s maritime zones and coordinating the Authority for Oil Spill Response in Indian waters.
Source – The Hindu
