Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 to Dock in Kochi

By A Staff Reporter

The Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 is scheduled to arrive at Kochi on 16th December as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to India. The four-day visit, which will run until 19th December, is aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

The ship’s visit marks an important step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations and underscores their commitment to maritime security and safety in the region. During the visit, the crew of the VCG ship will engage in a series of professional exchanges and joint training activities with their Indian counterparts. These will focus on critical areas such as Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement.

A highlight of the visit will be a series of practical drills, including cross-deck training, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and a major firefighting exercise. The crews will also engage in collaborative counter-drug interdiction operations and a demonstration of Oil Pollution Response capabilities. A Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise will further strengthen cooperation in maritime law enforcement, highlighting the shared commitment to combating illegal activities at sea.

In addition to the technical and operational engagements, the visit will also include social interactions aimed at fostering goodwill between the personnel of both forces. A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will be conducted at sea to simulate joint operations and improve coordination in real-time conditions.

The four-day engagement is expected to enhance mutual understanding and pave the way for more robust collaboration between the two coast guards in the future, ensuring a safer and more secure maritime environment in the region.