The Hindu : National : Navy to survey Mauritian coast

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Wednesday, Oct 26, 2005

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National

Navy to survey Mauritian coast

Special Correspondent

To assist in updating its charts

NEW DELHI: As part of its policy of assisting neighbours, the Indian Navy will conduct a hydrographic survey of Mauritius' ports, islands and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the first time since the 19th century. The need was being felt more acutely after the tsunami since accurate data on sea bottom profile near the islands is considered essential to study and anticipate the likely impact of such a natural calamity.

The Navy also plans to gift the island nation with an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) with visiting Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Chandra Ramgoolam scheduled to visit the Kochi naval base to take a look at berthed vessel. Pilots, navigators and ship crew from the Coast Guard, the Navy and the Air Force are routinely posted to Mauritius Coast Guard to man its planes and ships. In fact, the commanding officer of its sole OPV is an Indian.

The Indian Navy, which has one of the largest and most modern hydrographic branches in the world, will now assist Mauritius in updating its charts and navigation data. The reworking of survey charts would lead to safe navigation and better management of EEZ. To begin with, a survey ship of the Indian Navy will be deployed in an area, to be identified by the Mauritius Government, in January next year. A committee, with representatives from both sides, will be set up to work out future requirements.

In addition to meeting their survey requirements, the Navy will train MCG personnel at its Goa-based hydrographic school.

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