CG should optimally exploit technology for effective patrol

Coast Guard personnel should optimally exploit technology like the Amphibious Craft Vehicle for effective patrolling of the coastal region as their responsibilities had increased manifold in recent times, a top official said here today. "The responsibilities of the Coast Guard have increased manifold in recent times due to the present day dynamic maritime security matrix. The ACV should be put to full use to deliver the best results," Inspector General Satyaprakash Sharma, Coast Guard Commander said. Participating in a function organised to commission ACV H190 (an Amphibious Craft Vehicle), he said it could operate over land and sea and was ideal for enforcing maritime laws in the Palk Straits and the Gulf of Mannar. The ACV could reach various islands and otherwise inaccessible areas, he said. The 20 metre long ACV with a maximum speed of 30 knots and fitted with state-of-the-art infrared cameras would enhance CG's surveillance capabilities in day and the night. Vice Admiral Muralidharan, who commissioned the ACV H190, later told reporters that the ICG would have 150 ships and 100 aircrafts by 2018. The number of Coast Guard stations would go up to 42 from the present 17 in another three years, he said. The CG has regional headquarters at five places and all stations would be networked soon. Referring to attacks on Indian fishermen, allegedly by Sri Lankan naval personnel, he said the Coast Guard could provide them safety only in Indian territorial waters. The Indian and Sri Lankan governments would have to hold discussions on other problems of the fishermen and find out an amicable solution, he said.