Indian Navy training vessels berth in Phuket

PHUKET: Four Indian Navy vessels have berthed at the Deep Sea Port in Phuket as naval and Coast Guard trainees take on 24 weeks of at-sea exercises.

A statement from the navy said the deployment of the training squadron to Phuket “provides opportunities for extensive maritime engagement, contributes to the maintenance of good order at sea, and further cements the close relations between the two nations and the two navies.”

The Indian Navy ships, Tir, Sujata, Sudarshini and Varuna, and their officers were warmly welcomed by Rear Admiral Kittipong Rumakom, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command.

The Indian Navy hosted a dinner last night as part of the visit. However, the real work is getting the trainees up to speed in seamanship, gunnery, navigation, engineering and ship handling, as they undergo intensive ab-initio sea training.

— Chutharat Plerin