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MUMBAI: Taking a serious note to secure the Mumbai coast the Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis commissioned four Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs) into the Indian Navy in a private function organized at the naval dockyard on Friday. Officials said that this was the first time the Maharashtra CM has commissioned vessels into the Navy.

Seven ISVs was commissioned in January 2014 and three in January 2015. The Indian Navy till date have inducted into its armory 14 ISVs and three more will be commissioned in coming months. The ISVs-T-26, T-27, T-28 and T-47-were brought by the ONGC and manpower is provided by the Navy to take care of the coastal and also at Bombay High.

"ONGC has sponsored these ISVs for the coastal security. The Navy has got 14 such ISVs so far, including the four commissioned on Friday. The previous 10 ISVs were indigenous. These vessels are commanded by young officers of the rank of lieutenant," said an Indian Defence spokesperson.

Western Naval Command (WNC) vice-admiral Anil Chopra welcomed the CM and other dignitaries in channelizing and synergizing efforts of various stakeholders in strengthening coastal security. In the release, Fadnavis said that the commissioning of these ISVs will enhance the capacity of the Indian Navy to provide better security. The ISVs will be on coastal security deployment 24x7 of the Mumbai coast and Bombay High.

He noted with pride that this commissioning ceremony also showcases the ship building capabilities of the country following Prime Minister’s call of "Make in India". He assured all present that the Maharashtra government will work closely with the Indian Navy in the field of coastal security. The ISVs are armed with heavy machine guns (HMGs) and are fitted with state of the art radar and navigational equipment.

These versatile ships are capable of conducting patrolling operations and high speed interceptions at sea using speeds in excess of 40 knots, and are deployed for security of offshore development areas (ODA) and coastal maritime assets. The induction and deployment of these ships will augment the ongoing efforts to bolster coastal security; and provide protection to our offshore assets from asymmetric threats.