Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized vessel dedicated to pollution control, made its arrival at Manila Bay, Philippines on March 25, 2024, marking the commencement of a three-day visit. This visit signifies a broader initiative by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to showcase its capabilities in marine pollution response and demonstrate shared concerns regarding marine pollution in the ASEAN region. Additionally, it aims to enhance bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
As part of its overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, from March 25 to April 12, 2024, this marks the third consecutive deployment by the Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN nations. Preceding this, in 2023, ICG Pollution Control Vessels visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia as part of the same initiative.
Throughout this deployment, Samudra Paheredar is scheduled to visit ports in Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Muara (Brunei). Equipped with specialized marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak Helicopter configured for pollution response, the vessel is capable of containing and recovering spilled oil, enhancing operational capabilities. The port visits include training sessions on pollution response and practical demonstrations of various equipment.
Moreover, the vessel has embarked 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets as part of the government’s initiative “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,” aiming to provide international exposure in collaboration with partner nations. These cadets, alongside the ICG ship crew, partner agencies’ personnel, Indian Embassy/Mission staff, and local youth organizations, will engage in beach cleanups and similar activities during port calls as part of an overseas exchange program.
This visit serves as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations with key maritime agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies. The ICG has established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) towards Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Maritime Safety and Security with the Coast Guards of the Philippines and Vietnam, reflecting the evolution of these relationships to address safety, security, and marine environmental concerns in the region. The agenda for the visit includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint exercises, as well as official and social engagements, including visits to capacity-building facilities.
About ICGS Samudra Paheredar:
ICGS Samudra Paheredar, stationed on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, operates under the command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran. Over the years, it has undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including pollution response, surveillance of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)/Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), counter-transnational crimes, and maritime search and rescue (SAR) missions.