Kochi: INS Sudarshini, the second sail training vessel, was on Friday inducted into the India`s Navy Southern Naval Command.
INS Sudarshini is a follow-on class of INS Tarangini which joined Southern Naval Command in 1997.
Designed by British Naval architect Colin Mudie, the ship
was inducted by Vice-Admiral KN Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
Built at the Goa shipyard, it is commanded by Commander PK Boyiri Varma and has an overall length of 54 m.
The vessel can sail for up to 20 days with a crew of five
officers, 31 sailors and 30 cadets. It will join the First
Training Squadron based at Southern Naval Command at Kochi, a
Navy release said.
Sail training ships are crucial for training of naval
officers in seamanship, navigation, ship handling and braving
the elements.
INS Sudarshini is expected to undertake a historic ASEAN
voyage in September this year. The voyage, which will cement
the historic ties of India with ASEAN countries, will touch 18
ports in eight countries.
PTI
