The Indian Coast Guard ship Rajdhwaj, the 50-metre-long inshore patrol vessel (IPV), the last in the series of eight IPVs designed and built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, was commissioned recently at Chennai by G.K. Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping. Those present included Vice Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal, Director General Indian Coast Guard, Inspector General S.P. Sharma, Commander Coast Guard Region (East) and other senior dignitaries.

The IPV is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors and equipment. The ship is propelled to a maximum speed of 31.5 knots by three MTU 4000 series diesel engines of 2,720 kW capacity at 2,100 rpm each, coupled with three 71S2 Rolls-Royce Kamewa Jets. At economical speed of 14 knots, it has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The special features of the ship include an integrated bridge system (IBS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS), and an indigenously built 30mm gun mount with fire control system. The ship is designed to carry one rigid inflatable boat and two Geminis for search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.

ICGS Rajdhwaj, which is manned by five officers and 30 men under the Command of Commandant (JG) V.K. Parmar will be based at Kakinada under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 6, Visakhapatnam. The ship on joining the Coast Guard fleet will enhance Coast Guard’s capability in its mandate of maritime safety and security, environmental protection and coastal security on the Eastern sea board.