Coast Guard Eastern region gets new patrol vessel ICGS Vishwast

Chennai, March 17:
Indian Coast Guard Ship Vishwast, the first of its class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) commissioned by the Union Defence Minister AK Antony on Wednesday in Goa, will be based at Chennai under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
Designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited, ICGS Vishwast meaning ‘trustworthy,’ is a projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and commitment to maritime order and security.
The ship is equipped with the most advanced navigational and communication sensors. The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Machinery Control System, High Power External Fire Fighting System and an indigenously built Gun Mount.
The ‘Infra Red Surveillance System’ to be installed onboard, will provide additional capability to detect target at night, that otherwise could evade radar detection due to their small size or rough weather.
The ship is designed to carry one helicopter and five high speed boats for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, EEZ surveillance, high speed interdiction and marine pollution response missions.
The ship is 90 metres long, displaces 2400 tons, and is propelled by 9,100 KW twin diesel engines to a maximum speed of 26 Knots. At economical speed, the vessel has an endurance of 4500 nautical miles, and can stay at sea for 17 days without replenishment. The sustenance and reach, coupled with the most modern weapons, provides Vishwast the capabilities of performing the role of command platform, for the conduct of all Coast Guard operations in both the high seas and close to the coast.
Eight officers and 82 men under the command of Commandant S Paramesh man ICGS Vishwast.