Indian naval ship to carry out hydrographic survey of Port Victoria |05 November 2015

Indian naval ship Darshak, the eighth survey vessel of the Indian Navy and the first of the new Darshak class of ships, is expected in Seychelles today to carry out hydrographic survey of Port Victoria and its approaches for production of charts for this region.

This visit by a hydrographic survey ship is being undertaken as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for “cooperation in the field of hydrography” signed between the two countries during the visit of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Seychelles in March 2015.

INS Darshak is a specialised survey vessel of the Indian Navy, fitted with the latest state-of-the-art specialised survey equipment like multi-beam sonar, a fully automated digital surveying and processing system.

In addition, the ship is also carrying a Chetak helicopter, primarily used for determination of geographic extent and nature of coastline.

INS Darshak has the unique distinction of having undertaken various foreign cooperation surveys in the Maldives, Mozambique and Mauritius.

It is not new to the waters of Seychelles as this is her third visit to the island nation; her previous two visits being in September-November 2010, and March 2012.

The visit of the survey ship is set to further strengthen the friendly and cordial relations between the two countries.

During the conduct of survey operations, the ship will be embarking Seychelles Coast Guard personnel for practical training and exposure on the conduct of hydrographic survey.

In addition to the survey in and around Port Victoria, the ship’s officers and crew members will also take part in several sporting, social and charitable activities during the port call.

The ship, which will be in the country for 31 days, has a complement of 17 officers and 152 sailors and is presently commanded by Commander Amol G Merwade.