Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Praveen Kumar Mishra (Gallantry) assumed charge of Headquarters, Coast Guard District No. 3, Karnataka on Monday. He took over the management of DIG S Babu Venkatesh who transferred to Vizag.
A Batch Officer in 1990, PK Mishra has served in a variety of positions ashore and at sea. During his three-decade career, he has commanded various classes of vessels including pollution control vessels, offshore patrol vessels, patrol vessels rapids, hovercraft and interceptors. For his shore appointments, he commanded Coastguard Station Beypore, was the Commanding Officer of CGS Delhi, as well as the Chief of Staff of Operations at HQCGC at the Eastern Sea Board. He also served as Officer in Charge of Coast Guard Training Center, Coast Guard Stores Depot, Kochi, Director of Logistics at CGHQ New Delhi, and served as Officer of the Coast Guard Academy Project before taking over Headquarters No. 3.
DIG PK Mishra is a recipient of the prestigious ‘Tatrakshak (Gallantry) Medal’, which he received in 2001 for saving 86 lives during a single operation in the Bay of Bengal. He was also instrumental in the rescue of 21 sailors from a sinking ship, MV Luknam, the same year.
In his speech after his reappointment, Mishra said he would prioritize securing the Karnataka coast for fishing, shipping and recreational activities. He also emphasized on strengthening the presence at sea so that seafarers feel safe at sea to pursue their economic activities. “Together, we will develop infrastructure for future Coast Guard operational requirements, which will enhance the safety of seafarers on the Karnataka coast,” he added.
