Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sarthak’ (OPV)

An Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard was launched and re-christened as Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Sarthak’

About OPV Sarthak

• It is the 4th in the series of five OPVs.
• It has been designed & built indigenously by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
• The Ship is fitted with state-of-the-art Navigation and Communication equipment, sensor, and machinery.
• It is propelled by two diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.
• The ship is designed to embark and carry a twin-engine helicopter, four high-speed boats, and one inflatable boat for swift boarding and Search & Rescue operations.
• The ship is also capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.

Specifications of OPV Sarthak:

Length – 105 m
Weight – 2350 tons
Propelled by – two 9100 KW diesel engines
Maximum speed – 26 knots
Endurance – 6000 nautical miles

Objectives: The ship will be deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance, Coastal Security, and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter of duties, to safeguard the maritime interests of the Nation.

About Indian Coast Guard

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
• The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 18 August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India.
• It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs), and the Central and State police forces.
• True to its motto “Vayam Rakshamah” meaning “We Protect”, Indian Coast Guard saves one life every second day at sea.
• It also collaborates with friendly littoral states as per provisions of bilateral cooperation agreements resulting in successful apprehension and seizure of drugs in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Source: pib