The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed the officers and men of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Shaunak” as they officially visit the country today, February 01 at Pier 15, South Harbor, Port Area in Manila.

Shaunak is the fourth ship in the series of six 105-meter Samarth-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).

The PCG rendered a company sized arrival honor to welcome the vessel’s Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector General Bibhuti Ranjan and were received by Captain Genito B Basilio , Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Operations and Commander Angel Z Viliran, Director of Coast Guard Action Center.

Subsequently, Deputy Inspector General Ranjan paid a courtesy call to PCG Commandant, Admiral Elson E Hermogino followed by a Coast Guard briefing at the PCG national headquarters.

Several visits to PCG’s facilities such as the Coast Guard Action Center, National Coast Watch Center, Coast Guard K9 Force in Coast Guard Base Taguig and to one 44-meter multi-role response vessel are scheduled for the ICG delegation

A passage exercise (PASSEX) will also be held between the PCG and its Indian counterparts. Said exercise is done to practice communication, strengthen interoperability and enhance coordination.

The vessel has been designed and built by Goa Shipyard limited. Its features include 30mm Close Range Naval gun, integrated bridge system, integrated machinery control system, power management system and high power external firefighting system. The ship was designed to carry one twin engine light helicopter and five speed boats including two quick reaction inflatable boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.