New generation hovercraft commissioned by Coast Guard

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today inducted an air cushion vehicle (ACV) H-195, a new generation hovercraft capable of undertaking multifarious tasks including surveillance, into its fleet.
ICG Vice-Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal commissioned the hovercraft at a ceremony here, near Rameswaram.
Speaking at the launch function, Thapliyal said that ACV would play a major role in tackling emergent maritime challenges and protecting nation's maritime interests, including protecting Offshore assets and sea-based resources, he said at a function here near Rameswaram.
The craft, with a complement of 13 personnel, including two officers, will be based here under the administrative control of Chennai-headquartered Commander Coast Guard Region (East).

Equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational, communication equipment and sensors, the craft was capable of undertaking multifarious tasks including surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue operations.
The Vice-Admiral said in the current scenario, there was need for eternal vigil in the country's maritime domain, particularly the close coast region.

Apart from security, the ICG was concerned with pollution aspect and preventing illegal and unlawful activities.
Stating that Tamil Nadu coast, especially Mandapam was home to a large fishing fleet, he said the Coast Guard had always strive to provide safety and security to the fishing community of this region.

He also congratulated the local administration for supporting many of the initiatives of Indian Coast Guard, be it Community Interaction Programmes or registration of fishermen and their boats.
The hovercraft was built by United Kingdom-based Griffon Hoverwork ltd, monitored by Coastguard Overseeing team.
Inspector General S P Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), said the seas around India had acquired significance not only for free movement of trade and commerce but also for energy need and its security beside exploitation of both living and non-living resources.
He said the ICG Eastern Region was responsible for maintaining surveillance along 2244 kms of coastline and 4.25 lakhs sq kms of exclusive economic zone including sensitive areas of Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar.

The ICG decommissioned 13 ships of different class and commissioned 12 new vessels in eastern region bringing new technology and enhanced capabilities.
H-195 was the 13th sea going unit being inducted today and there are three more ships expected to join the eastern fleet in a month's time, he said.
The surveillance through patrolling by ships and aircraft was augmented with establishment of shore-based chain of radar and electro optical sensors to detect presence of inimical elements close to coast.