Embassy of India

Doha

PRESS RELEASE 

VISIT OF INDIAN COAST GUARD SHIP 'VIJIT' TO DOHA

(20-23 DECEMBER, 2014)

In the framework of the deep-rooted ties, time-tested friendship, and multi-faceted cooperation between India and the State of Qatar, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) 'Vijit'will be making a friendly visit to Doha Port from 20 - 23 December, 2014 in conjunction with the celebrations of Qatar’s National Day.

ICGSVijit, the second in the series of 90-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs),wasdesigned and built indigenouslyby M/s Goa Shipyard Limited and was commissioned on 11 December, 2010 at Goa.Vijit,meaningVictorious, is a projection of Indian Coast Guard's will and commitment “To Serve and Protect” the maritime interests of the Nation.

             ICGS Vijit, has 19 Officers and 120 other personnel under the Command of Deputy Inspector General Rakesh Pal, TM (Tatrakshak Medal) and is based at Porbandar (the birth place of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi) in the State of Gujarat, under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (NW), Gandhinagar.Since commissioning, the ship has spent 600 days at sea and logged 101537 nautical miles.

This 90 metres OPV is equipped with the most advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries by means of state-of-the-art technology. The ship also has several other special features. The sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest and modern equipment and systems, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and accomplish all Coast Guard charter of duties.

             The ship on joining Coast Guard has been deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and such other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard Charter.The vessel has been deployed largely in the North Western region, more so along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), to safeguard India's maritime interests.

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