Samudra Prahari's Deployment to ASEAN

• 19 Sep 2023

For Prelims: Indian Coast Guard , Samudra Prahari, Pollution Control Vessel, ASEAN, Chetak Helicopter, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, London Convention, India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative

For Mains: Key Features of Samudra Prahari, International Initiatives Related to Marine Pollution.

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, has embarked on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from 11^th September 2023 to 14^th October, 2023.

• The initiative was announced during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in Cambodia in November 2022.
• During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Bangkok(Thailand), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Jakarta(Indonesia).

What are the Key Features of Samudra Prahari?

• About:
  • The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari boasts state-of-the-art pollution response. It was commissioned at Mumbai on October 9, 2010.
• Major Features:
  • The vessel is outfitted with advanced pollution control gear, including containment tools like Hi-Sprint Booms and river booms to contain oil spills, as well as oil recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms, along with storage facilities within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
    • The ship is also equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration.
  • It also possesses the ability for unmanned machinery operation.

Note:

An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity. The term is usually applied to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur on land.

• Activities:
  • As part of an overseas exchange program, the ship has embarked 13 National Cadet Corps cadets to participate in "Puneet Sagar Abhiyan," an international outreach program focused on beach clean-ups and similar activities in coordination with partner nations.

What are the International Initiatives Related to Marine Pollution?

• UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 calls signatory states to develop a legal framework to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment by dumping.
  • India is a signatory to UNCLOS.
• The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) calls for prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
  • India is a signatory to MARPOL.
• The London Convention and London Protocol aims to protect the marine environment from pollution caused by the dumping of wastes and other matter into the ocean.
  • The London Convention was adopted in 1972 and entered into force in 1975. The London Protocol was adopted in 1996 and entered into force in 2006.
  • India is not a participant in either of them.
• The India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative: India and Norway are committed to share experiences and competence, and collaborate on efforts to develop clean and healthy oceans, sustainable use of ocean resources and growth in the blue economy.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q1. Consider the following countries: (2018)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

Ans: (c)

Q2. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016)

(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC

Ans: (b)

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Mains

Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)

Q. What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (2023)