Chief Secretary E.K. Bharat Bhushan commissioned the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship, C-404, at a majestic ceremony at the Vizhinjam harbour, near here, on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary lauded the role played by ICG ships and aircraft in search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, marine environment protection, and enforcement of marine laws, often braving adverse weather.
A defence release said the induction of the interceptor boat C-404 would enhance the capability of the Coast Guard to respond to emergent situations in coastal security, search and rescue, and enforcement of maritime laws off the Kerala coast.
The C-404 is the fourth in the series of Interceptor Boats (IB) built by L&T Shipyard Ltd, Surat. Commanded by Deputy Commandant T.N. Ngamelin, the vessel has a 11-member crew.
The water jet-propelled vessel has an endurance of 500 nautical miles at 25 knots and is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 45 knots. The vessel is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, and medium range armament.
The vessel is designed for close-coast and shallow-water operations and it will be based at Beypore, an official release issued here said.
