'Vijit' becomes the first Indian Coast Guard ship to visit Indonesia

Highlighting the close maritime proximity between India and Indonesia, Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Vijit' became the first-ever Coast Guard ship to visit Sabang, Indonesia.

During its maiden voyage from March 17 to 20, officers and crew of Vijit will hold interaction with officials of Bakamla (Indonesian Coast Guard), Indonesian Armed Forces and the civil administration at Sabang, read a press release from Indian embassy in Jakarta.

This visit of the coast guard ship follows from the first-ever-visit of Naval Ship INS Sumitra to Sabang in July 2018.

Vijit's visit also highlights strengthening cooperation in the area of maritime security and safety between New Delhi and Jakarta.

"The ship is commanded by Comdt T Ashish (0532-J), who is a long Navigation Direction officer. ICGS Vijit is the 2nd in the series of 90 meter Offshore Patrol Vessels and was commissioned at Goa on 11 Dec 2010. 'Vijit' meaning "Winner or Victorious" is the testimony of India's shipbuilding capabilities and the resolve of Govt of India to safeguard country's maritime interests," read the press release.

It further stated, "The ship's complement includes a team of 15 Officers and 90 men who are highly motivated and fully trained to excel at all tasks with alacrity and elan in keeping with Coast Guard's motto 'Vayam Rakshamah'."

Fastest in its category with a designed speed of 26 knots at a displacement of 2393 tons, this new generation ship is equipped with the advanced Navigational and Communicational equipment, sensors and machinery including an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Power Management System (PMS), High Power External Fire Fighting System (ABS Fi-Fi Class-1) and one indigenous Close Range Naval (CRN) 91 Gun Mount along with an IR/ UV fire control system for day and night usage.

According to the press release, the ship is designed to carry one twin-engine HAL built Advance Light Helicopter and five high-speed boats for Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement and Marine Pollution Response.

The ship is also fitted with advanced Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) making it a very versatile platform to carry out Search and Rescue operations in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) besides carrying out other tasks as mandated in CG Charter.

"The sustenance and reach coupled with most modern weapons, sensors and communication systems, provides her with the capabilities of performing the role of a command platform for the conduct of Coast Guard operations at high seas and near the coast," stated the press release.

The press release read, "It may be noted that during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Indonesia in May 2018, both sides had arrived at a 'Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo Pacific' under which deepening economic and people to people exchanges, including connectivity with port of Sabang was identified as a key priority area. A series of steps have since been undertaken by both sides to improve the same.