Indian Navy & Coast Guard Anti-Hijacking Exercise ‘Apharan’

New Delhi: The Indian Navy, in collaboration with Indian Coast Guard, Cochin Port Trust, and other concerned stake holders, conducted a large scale Anti Hijacking Exercise off the Port of Kochi on 18 December. This was the first time that such a large scale exercise involving all stake holders has been conducted in Kerala. The Exercise, code named ‘Apharan’, saw the participation of multiple agencies, including more than 12 ships and helicopters of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Cochin Port Trust.

As part of the scenario, interdiction of a ‘rogue’ vessel outside Kochi port and insertion of Marine Commandos (MarCos) onto the rogue/hijacked vessel through boarding operations, as well as slithering down onto its deck from a Sea King helicopter, were exercised.

Exercise Apharan was aimed at streamlining the response mechanism and preparedness to thwart any attempt by to hijack a merchant vessel or attempt forced entry of a rogue or commandeered merchant vessel into Kochi harbour.

Exercise Apharan was aimed at streamlining the response mechanism and preparedness to thwart any attempt by to hijack a merchant vessel or attempt forced entry of a rogue or commandeered merchant vessel into Kochi harbour.

The Exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence (Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command), Kerala.

The Exercise provided an opportunity to all stakeholders to assess the preparedness of their respective organisations and identify gaps to address them on priority, as well as to formulate an integrated crisis management plan for Kochi Port.

Image Courtesy: Times of India