KOCHI: Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Sarathi', the third ship in the series of six offshore patrol vessels, has arrived in Kochi. The ship will be based at Kochi and will form part of the Naval Training Squadron. In addition, the ship will be deployed for the EEZ (exclusive economic zone) surveillance and to safeguard the country's maritime interests, especially the Kerala's coast. With the commissioning of Sarathi, capability of the Coast Guard on western seaboard will be strengthened further to meet the emerging security challenges in maritime zone.
The ship was given a formal reception at Naval Jetty. Rear Admiral R.B. Pandit, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, deputy Inspector General M.V. Pathak, Commander, Coast Guard and other senior officers were present during the ceremony. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the ship on September 9 at Goa. The 105 meters long vessel has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard and fitted with most advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries. The features include 30 mm CRN 91 naval gun, integrated bridge system, integrated machinery control system, power management system and high- power external fire fighting system.
