The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessel Samudra Paheredar, classified as a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines, on March 25, 2024, commencing a three-day visit. This visit is part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at showcasing the ICG’s expertise in marine pollution response and highlighting shared concerns regarding marine pollution in the ASEAN region. Additionally, the visit seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Samudra Paheredar’s overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, from March 25 to April 12, 2024, underscores India’s commitment to regional maritime security and environmental protection. This deployment marks the third consecutive visit by an Indian Coast Guard Pollution Control Vessel to ASEAN nations. Previous deployments, in 2023, included visits to Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, as part of a similar initiative.
During its mission, Samudra Paheredar will visit ports in Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Muara (Brunei). Equipped with specialized marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak Helicopter configured for Pollution Response, the ship aims to demonstrate its capabilities in containing and recovering spilled oil. The visit will feature Pollution Response training and practical displays of various equipment.
In a unique initiative, Samudra Paheredar has embarked 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets to participate in the “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,” a government-led campaign for beach cleanup and environmental conservation. This collaboration reflects India’s commitment to international outreach and environmental stewardship.
The visit is strategically significant for strengthening bilateral ties with key maritime agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies. It is also an opportunity to reinforce existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) towards enhanced maritime cooperation and safety with partner nations.
ICGS Samudra Paheredar, based on the East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, operates under the command of Deputy Inspector General Sudhir Ravindran. With its extensive operational experience, the ship has contributed significantly to Coast Guard operations, including pollution response, maritime surveillance, counter-transnational crimes, and search and rescue missions.
