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Need for interaction between merchant marine and Navy

V. Sajeev Kumar

PROPER interaction between the merchant navy and the Indian Navy is essential in the present day global context, to maintain the most effective state of readiness, in the event of a crisis. In a paper ``Merchant Navy: Supporting role during maritime oper ations,'' Cdr. G. M. Singh, of the Naval Defence School, Kochi -- points out that such an interaction will enable quick and effective action during a crisis.

He observes that given the volatile political situation prevailing in and around the Indian sub-continent, the need of the hour is greater interaction between the two and a system of synergy and optimum use of resources to meet the country's requirements .

There are innumerable instances in the annals of maritime history which highlight the vital role played by the merchant navy.

Mr. Singh cites the role played by the merchant navy in the Falklands War and the Gulf War. In the Falklands War, a fleet of merchant vessels was deployed in the south Atlantic, to assist the Royal Navy of the UK. These ships were rapidly converted to th eir military role in various naval and civilian dockyards in the UK. The ships included liners, tankers, RO-RO ships, offshore support vessels and tugs. All these ships were manned by volunteer civilian crew, supplemented by small naval or royal auxiliar y parties.

Merchant vessels have been extensively used in wartime, as hospital ships. Though most warships have rudimentary operation theatres, the presence of a hospital ship may be the difference between life and death in times of a war.

The presence of mobile repair ships is vital to sustain a naval force at sea, in the advanced area of operation. The offshore patrol vessels can take up the role of these repair ships when equipped with basic engineering and repair facilities.

In the Gulf War, for example, Maritime Pre-positioning Ships (MPS) loaded with marine corps supplies and equipment, from such distant places as Guam and Diego Gracia, were deployed in Saudi Arabia.

The merchant navy has an important role to play in India's national and international trade. India's large pool of personnel employed in the merchant marine can be assets both during times of war and otherwise. The merchant navy keeps the trade flowing s moothly when not involved in war.

India's coastline of approximately 7,600 km, with EEZ of about 2.2 million sq km, and its location make it a maritime presence of consequence in the global context. The Indian Navy has to maintain a strong military vigil in the area to prevent encroachme nt of its assets by neighbours. As it is required to undertake and sustain naval operations far from its shores, the country's mercantile marine could play an integral role by supporting these operations.

The type of ships required for all these operations would include medium-sized oil tankers, general cargo ships, passenger liners and container ships. The use of RO-RO ships to carry the mechanised infantry and the armoured divisions is also envisaged.

The availability of these ships for a joint exercise on a regular basis might not be feasible due to commercial constraints. However, periodic exercises and interaction will help.

The modifications required for such ships to suit their other role would include:

-- Conversion of container ships to carry aircraft, in the event of non-availability or damage to carriers.

-- Provision of underway replenishment gear for transferring store and fuel at sea.

-- Installation of cranes, capable of loading naval and army equipment.

-- Increasing the size of cargo hold hatches to facilitate transportation of artillery pieces and war planes.

-- Fitment of limited self-defence capabilities by incorporation of some defence systems.

-- Fitment of additional communication, navigation and cryptographic equipment.

-- Provision of ship-borne water production and treatment plants.