Phase II of Joint Ocean Survey by Indian and SL Navies begins today

The Indian and Sri Lanka Navies will conduct Phase II of the joint oceanographic survey off the Southern and Western Coasts of Sri Lanka from today (26) until 21 December.

The survey will be undertaken by Indian Naval ship INS Sutlej, which is an indigenously designed and constructed vessel which is fitted with state-of-the-art survey equipment. This will be the second survey which will be undertaken by Sutlej in Sri Lanka. The ship was deployed to Galle and Colombo in 2004 in the aftermath of the tsunami to survey both the harbours. 

The Phase II survey will be more complex and detailed than previous surveys undertaken and will focus on waters closer to the coast as well as the coastline features.

As in the past, personnel from the Survey Branch of the Sri Lanka Navy will embark on board the ship to take part in the conduct of the survey. Consolidation training will also be conducted for the embarking Sri Lanka Navy personnel so that the knowledge during previous interactions can be built upon. This deployment of the ship presents an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other in the highly specialised field of Hydrography and will serve to build on the strong professional bonds that exist between the two navies.

During its deployment, INS Sutlej will also undertake a series of community welfare activities, sports and professional training exchanges with Sri Lanka Navy personnel.

In May 2017, the one-and-half-month-long Phase I of the joint oceanographic survey was successfully completed by both navies. INS Darshak, an Indian Naval survey vessel, had visited Sri Lanka for the purpose. The joint survey resulted in the generation of extensive oceanographic data which is currently being used for updating all information and navigational charts covering Southern Sri Lankan waters so as to make navigation safer for all users of the sea.