Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) arrives at Karwar

Karwar - Samudra Prahari, the first-ever pollution control vessel (PCV) in the South Asia, arrived at Karwar from Mumbai on Thursday. The ship was commissioned on October 9 at Mumbai by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashokrao Chavan.

The PCV has the two sophisticated equipment to control oil spillage and pollution caused by it. It is touted to be the first such ship in South Asia and the third in the world. This vessel will help to control the oil pollution and help enhance maritime security. Manoj Badkar, Deputy Inspector General and Commanding Officer, is the in-charge of the ship. Commanding Officer Badkar hails from Karwar.

Speaking to presspersons here on Thursday, Mr. Badkar said that the latest technology on the ship would help the Coast Guards in enhancing the security on the West Coast.

He said this ship will go to the coast of Maharashtra and Kerala also.

The Coast Guard has formulated plans to control the oil spillage and enhance maritime security. Explaining the working of the warship Commanding Officer Badkar said that in case of the oil spillage, the two boats set on the both sides of the ship will spread the oil controlling booms in circular manner and block the oil from mixing with the water.

The other method to be used to check oil spill is by spraying chemicals on the spilt oil so that it gets converted into a solid material and sinks into the sea. Chetak and other light weight helicopters can land on the ship and it has the equipment to be use in war, he said. Five high-speed boats are also fixed in the ship, he added.

The ship has a centralised control system and a special type of electric management system.

source: Hindu