Shipshape: Foreign Navies to Learn from India

KOCHI: A naval facility in Kochi is turning out to be the cynosure of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) beginning here from Tuesday.

Top brass of many navies in the Indian Ocean littoral have expressed interest in visiting the Indian Naval Workup Team (INWT) functioning under the Southern Naval Command. INWT, now in its silver jubilee sheen, is an audit facility that helps streamline workflow and equipment audit onboard ships.

The Indian Navy imbibed the idea from the Royal Navy with a view to install processes that ensure proper deployment of personnel, proportionate to their qualification and training on ships.

“Manpower requirement onboard vessels, even those falling in the same class, could be different. INWT has proved that crew productivity can be optimized with a proper technical audit of systems. Its success rate has been noted by other navies and we are receiving positive enquiries,” said senior sources.

It was Malaysian Navy which first touched base with Indian counterparts for INWT support. Following this, Australian Navy evinced interest. “We have strong feelers from other navies too. But, it is too early to reveal their names,” said a senior source.

The fact that other navies are ready to open-up their resources to the Indian team speaks of the high-level of confidence and inter-operability philosophy the country has instilled in other forces. “IONS – in its 10th year – is another platform that helps us showcase our prowess,” sources said.

IONS will help establish Kochi – already a world-renowned maritime destination – as a possible port for building and repairing defence ships. Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has already made a footprint by completing smaller and bigger craft, including the prestigious indigenous aircraft carrier. “The Japanese Navy delegation is likely to visit CSL. Initial talks are already on,” sources said.

IONS will see participation of 26 navies from across the world. Most of the neighbouring navies, except Pakistan, have deputed high-ranking officers for the event in Kochi.

It is an affirmative statement. It reflects the increased level of confidence in the country as a major player in the Indian Ocean theatre. India has also allowed the event to evolve as a global brainstorming session, said a senior officer.

Source:ToI

Image Courtesy:IT