SLCGS SURAKSHA left Colombo for Exercise “ DOSTI – XV ”
November 19, 2021The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) ‘Suraksha’ sailed yesterday (Nov 18) for Maldives to participate in the 15th edition of trilateral Coast Guard Joint exercise ‘DOSTI’.
DOSTI is planned to be held in the seas off Male from Nov 20 to 24, this year, the SLCG said.
It is the second occasion that SLCG Ship ‘Suraksha’ represents Sri Lanka Coast Guard for an exercise in foreign waters since her joining the SLCG fleet in Sep 2017.
The 4 day long exercise is conducted jointly by Coast Guard agencies of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives with the aim of strengthening friendly ties, enhancing mutual operational capability and cooperation in the region, the SLCG also said.
According to the SLCG, the exercise will focus on Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response and Law Enforcement Operations.
Highlighting the importance of the exercise, the SLCG said increased cooperation among Coast Guards, exchanging best practices and procedures in maritime operations, undertaking new challenges in maritime domain and collectively finding solutions to overcome those issues are paramount among them.
Exercise ‘DOSTI’ is the oldest continuous exercise conducted in the Indian Ocean, the SLCG added.