The 98^th Integrated Officer Trainees Course passed out on 05 Dec 20 on completion of their afloat training onboard ships of  First Training Squadron in a short but inspiring ceremony, curtailed due to the COVID-19 imposed restrictions. Rear Admiral Antony George, VSM, NM, Chief Staff Officer (Training) of Southern Naval Command awarded trophies to the meritorious officer trainees during the Passing Out Divisions held onboard the ships. The course consisted of 132 officer trainees, including 114 Naval, 13 Coast Guard and 05 foreign trainees (02 from Myanmar, 01 each from Maldives, Seychelles and Tanzania).The First Training Squadron based at Kochi comprises of Indian Naval Ships Tir, Magar, Shardul, Sujata, Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi and Sail Training Ships Tarangini and Sudarshini.  

The coveted Chief of Naval Staff Trophy and Telescope for the Best All Round Sea Trainee was awarded to Sub Lieutenant Sushil Singh. Chief of Naval Staff Trophy and Binoculars for standing First in Overall Order of Merit was awarded to Sub Lieutenant Abhishek Ingle. Assistant Commandant Sonmale Suraj Krishant received the DG ICG Trophy for the Best Coast Guard Sea Trainee and Sub Lieutenant Kehsav Satyam Katti was awarded FOC-IN-C East Rolling Trophy for showing maximum progress in professional subjects during the term onboard. Sub Lieutenant Debsashish Singh Deo was awarded Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Rolling Trophy for sports and extracurricular activities while also excelling in professional subjects. 

The sea training of 24 weeks commenced on 29 Jun 20. During this phase of training, the Sea Trainees are imparted instructions on seamanship, navigation, ship handling, Officer of the Watch / Officer of the Day duties and technical aspects with emphasis on practical training. Designed to enable them to get their sea legs, the intensive sea training provides them an exposure to the rigours of life at sea in a conducive training environment that prepares young officers to undertake combat as well as ‘less than war’ functions effectively. The Sea Trainees spent 61 days at sea and visited various ports on the east and west Coast of India as well as the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The trainees were also provided to sail training experience onboard the sail training ships, INS Tarangini and Sudarshini.  

The officers will now join various frontline Indian Naval warships and Coast Guard patrol vessels on the western and eastern sea board for next phase of afloat training.

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ABBB/SW/VM/MS