India, Japan conduct joint exercise
The 13th edition of India-Japan Coast Guard joint exercises were conducted off Kochi.
Kochi: The 13th edition of India-Japan Coast Guard joint exercises were conducted off Kochi on Tuesday.
The exercises included cross deck landings, anti piracy drills, search and rescue demonstration and a fire fighting demonstration.
Addressing the media jointly on board ICGS Samrat, on completion of the exercise, Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, Director General of Indian Coast Guard and Admiral Yuji Sato, Commandant of Japan Coast Guard, expressed satisfaction at the successful conduct of the exercise.
JCG (Japan Coast Guard Ship) Mizuho and its integral helicopter, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samrat, Chetak helicopter, Dornier aircraft, and ICGS C-404 took part in the exercise tiltled Sahayog- Kaijin 2014, and held approximately 20 nautical miles off Kochi.
Such exercises improved inter operability and confidence in operating together, and theywere aimed at capacity building, both the admirals said.
The joint exercise between Coast Guards of India and Japan held annually since 1999, focused on anti piracy procedures, pollution control measures and other areas of common professional interest.
Inspector General SPS Basra, Commander Coast Guard Region West and senior officials of Japan Coast Guard delegation also witnessed the exercise.