The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Prahari is currently deployed on an overseas mission encompassing ASEAN nations. Samudra Prahari is a specialized pollution control vessel, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, equipped with advanced pollution response and control equipment to combat oil spills in the Exclusive Economic Zone. It boasts a 500 KL storage capacity for oil recovery and can operate twin-engine Advanced Light Helicopters as well as Chetak helicopters. Notable features include integrated platform and power management systems, high-power firefighting capabilities, and unmanned machinery operation.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- ASEAN: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, founded in 1967, comprises 10 member states in Southeast Asia and promotes various forms of cooperation among them, including economic, political, security, and sociocultural integration.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): An area of the sea where a coastal state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including oil and natural gas.
- ASEAN Secretariat: The administrative body of ASEAN, located in Jakarta, Indonesia, responsible for facilitating and coordinating ASEAN activities and initiatives.
- Chetak Helicopter: A type of helicopter used for various purposes, including search and rescue operations, often employed by maritime and coastal security agencies.
- Integrated Platform Management System: A system that manages and monitors various ship functions, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.