ICGS VIJIT has been formally inducted by the Coast Guard and the ship has joined the Coast Guard Region of Andaman & Nicobar.
This is the second ship of its class and will be based at Port Blair. It will augment the maritime Search & Rescue, Marine pollution response and Maritime law enforcement operations in and around Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The vessel has a surveillance capability for 28 days, providing it an endurance range of 4500 NM and 26 Knots of max designed speed. Additionally, the ship is capable of operating an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) from its deck in addition to Chetak helicopter. The ship has been built by Goa Defence Ship yard.
The helicopters upgrades the role worthiness of the ship during SAR and Marine Pollution Response operations. Addressing the ceremony Mr. Chetan Bhushan Sanghi, the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration congratulated the ICG and welcomed the ship and it’s crew to the Coast Guard fleet at A&N Region.
To enhance the safety and security requirements of strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters, Andaman & Nicobar’s surface capabilities has been boosted by inducting ICGS Vijit in its fleet today.
The addition of ICGS Vijit to ICG will contribute to the safety and security of the waters around the islands and create a more favourable environment for the development of fisheries, marine tourism and other maritime economic activities bringing prosperity to the islands.
A& N Region of Coast Guard functions under the over all Command of HQ Andaman & Nicobar Command. This augmentation of Coast Guard surface assets will surely enhance the reach and efficiency of Coast Guard in undertaking an array of assignments, which Coast Guard is responsible for within maritime zones associated with A&N Command.
