Coast Guard ship Shaunak begins Quad observer mission to Perth
Six officers from India, Japan, Australia and the United States are sailing together for shipboard exchanges focused on maritime coordination.
Indian Coast Guard ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai for Perth on 25 September as part of the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission.
The six sea riders comprise two officers each from India and Japan and one each from Australia and the United States. The official release says they will join shipboard activities and professional exchanges intended to improve coordination and interoperability.
Why it matters
Shared time at sea gives coast guard officers a practical setting to compare procedures, communications and operational practices across the four participating countries.
SCULTRA point of view
The mission is a useful confidence-building step. Its value should be judged through the activities completed, lessons carried into future operations and evidence of smoother coordination after the voyage.
Limitations
The announcement records departure and intended activity. It does not provide the mission duration, completed exercises, evaluation criteria or operational outcomes.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Indian Coast Guard, 25 September 2026.