Non-adherence of SOPs led to Naval mishaps: Manohar Parrikar

MUMBAI: Non-adherence of standard operating procedures ( SOPs) was the main reason for the string of mishaps involving Indian Navy ships and submarines in the last few years, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said.

"The reason for (Naval) accidents was relaxation in following the SOPs," he said.

There had been laxity by Navy personnel in strictly following the SOPs, but corrective measures are now being taken, Parrikar said.

The Minister said he has now started "tightening the screws" on strict compliance of the SOPs. "Now the people will be made accountable in case there is any accident on submarines due to non-compliance of SOPs."

Parrikar was here for the undocking of first India's first Scorpene class submarine.

He said setting a time-frame and meeting it will be a key factor in manufacturing warships. "We have to make more and submarines."

Parrikar said the February 11 collision between 'INS Sindhugosh' and a fishing trawler off the Karwar coast was due to an error on part of the latter and the submarine crew were not at fault.

The biggest peacetime disaster for Indian Navy has been the sinking of 'INS Sindhurakshak' on August 14, 2013.

India has lost only one vessel during wartime - 'INS Khukri' on December 9, 1971. Thereafter, during peacetime there have been 29 major and minor mishaps wherein at least 51 personnel have lost their lives and a minimum of 23 others suffered injuries.