Indian Coast Guard’s Pollution Control Vessel Makes Port Call in Vietnam to Combat Marine Pollution

Ho Chi Minh:  The Indian Coast Guard’s Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) Samudra Paheredar, accompanied by an integral helicopter, docked at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam today, marking a significant milestone in India’s commitment to combat marine pollution in the ASEAN region.

The visit of the specialized vessel to Vietnam is part of its ongoing overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, in line with the India-ASEAN Initiative for Marine Pollution, which was announced by the Defence Minister during the ASEAN Defence Minister Plus Meeting held in Cambodia back in 2022.

Over the next three days, the crew of ICGS Samudra Paheredar will engage in a series of professional interactions focusing on various aspects of maritime operations including Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.

The activities planned during the visit include cross-deck training, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, sports events, and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Vietnam Coast Guard. These engagements aim to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Coast Guard and its Vietnamese counterparts in addressing maritime challenges effectively.

In a noteworthy initiative, 25 National Cadet Corps (NCC) personnel aboard ICGS Samudra Paheredar will participate in a Walkathon and Beach Cleanup activities in collaboration with local youth organizations. This contribution aligns with the Government of India’s initiative “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,” which seeks to promote environmental sustainability and marine conservation efforts.