Article Posted on : - Jan 28, 2012

INS Sudarshini is a follow-on class of INS Tarangini (in pic). An Indian Navy photo

KOCHI (PTI): INS Sudarshini, the second sail training vessel, was on Friday inducted into the India's Navy Southern Naval Command.

INS Sudarshini is a follow-on class of INS Tarangini which joined Southern Naval Command in 1997.

Designed by British Naval architect Colin Mudie, the ship was inducted by Vice-Admiral K N Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

Built at the Goa shipyard, it is commanded by Commander P K Boyiri Varma and has an overall length of 54 m.

The vessel can sail for up to 20 days with a crew of five officers, 31 sailors and 30 cadets. It will join the First Training Squadron based at Southern Naval Command at Kochi, a Navy release said.

Sail training ships are crucial for training of naval officers in seamanship, navigation, ship handling and braving the elements.

INS Sudarshini is expected to undertake a historic ASEAN voyage in September this year. The voyage, which will cement the historic ties of India with ASEAN countries, will touch 18 ports in eight countries.