Key Features of Samudra Prahari

Context:

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a Pollution Control Vessel, has commenced an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, from September 11 to October 14, 2023, as part of an initiative announced during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in November 2022.

Relevance:

GS III: Defence

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Features of Samudra Prahari
2. International Initiatives Related to Marine Pollution

Key Features of Samudra Prahari:

• The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari is a Pollution Control Vessel commissioned in Mumbai on October 9, 2010.

Major Features:

• Equipped with advanced pollution control gear, containment tools, and oil recovery devices.
• Contains oil spill containment tools like Hi-Sprint Booms and river booms.
• Has oil recovery devices including skimmers and side sweeping arms.
• Features storage facilities within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration.
• Has the capability for unmanned machinery operation.

Activities:

• Participates in international outreach programs such as “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,” which involves beach clean-ups and similar activities.
• Currently hosting 13 National Cadet Corps cadets as part of an overseas exchange program.

International Initiatives Related to Marine Pollution:

• The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, aims to prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the marine environment by dumping.
  • India is a signatory to UNCLOS.
• The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) focuses on preventing marine pollution from operational or accidental causes by ships.
  • India is a signatory to MARPOL.
• The London Convention and London Protocol aim to protect the marine environment from pollution caused by the dumping of wastes and other matter into the ocean.
  • India is not a participant in either of these agreements.
• The India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative seeks to collaborate on efforts to develop clean and healthy oceans, sustainable use of ocean resources, and growth in the blue economy, with a focus on sharing experiences and competence between India and Norway.