New Delhi: Indian Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar and Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard signed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for exchange of White Shipping Information on August 23. The SOP was signed here during ongoing visit of the Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard to India.
The signing of the SOP between Philippine Coast Guard and Indian Navy would facilitate operationalisation of information exchange on merchant shipping traffic, which will contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.
Admiral Artemio M Abu who is on a visit to India from August 20 to 24, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation with Indian Coast Guard on August 22. The MoU was signed by Director General Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal and the Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard, Admiral A M Abu and was followed by the first bilateral meeting between the two agencies.
“The MoU aims to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Maritime Search & Rescue (M-SAR) and Marine Pollution Response (MPR),” the Coast Guard said in a statement. This is part of efforts by both governments to enhance collaborative and cooperative engagements in the field of maritime safety and security, it stated.
The 1st ever bilateral meeting between the maritime agencies signifies dedication in strengthening professional bonds by sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises and enhancing training collaborations, the Coast Guard said. “Implementation of this MoU will go a long way in enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations to ensure safe, secure and clean seas.”
The five-member Philippine Coast Guard delegation visited Goa on August 21 prior to signing of MoU, to witness the operational capabilities of Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft. “The delegation was also provided with a Customer Demonstration Flight on the ICG Advance Light Helicopter MK-III. The delegates also visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Sujeet which is made by Goa Shipyard Limited,” the statement added.
