About ICGS Shaunak:
- It is an Indian Coast Guard ship, specifically an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Samarth-class.
- It has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd.
- ICGS Shaunak was commissioned in 2017.
- It is based at Visakhapatnam under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
- It is deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties to safeguard the maritime interests of India.
- Features:
- It has a maximum speed of 26 knots and has an endurance of 6500 NM at economical speed.
- Its features include a 30 mm CRN 91 Naval Gun, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Power Management System (PMS), and High Power External Fire Fighting System.
- The ship is designed to carry one twin-engine Light Helicopter and five high-speed boats, including two Quick Reaction Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrol.
- The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.
QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission:
- It brings together personnel from the four QUAD countries (India, United States, Japan, and Australia) for shipboard activities and professional exchanges.
- It is aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving coordination, and strengthening mutual trust among the maritime forces.
- Six officers, described as Sea Riders, have embarked on ICGS Shaunak for the mission to sail from Chennai for Perth, Australia.
- The contingent comprises two officers each from India and Japan and one officer each from Australia and the United States.
- The mission also reflects India’s broader maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
