During 1996-97, DOD acquired two research vessels(CRVs) namely Sagar Purvi and Sagar Paschimi, for enabling continuous collection of samples from the coastal areas for monitoring the pollution levels in different points. These vessels are being managed by a Vessel Management Cell set up in the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai. These two CRVs have been deployed to facilitate systematic collection and analysis of water, sediment and biological samples from different locations along the coastline of India.

During 1997-98, both these vessels have successfully completed 41 cruises, as detailed in Table No-1 & 2. Sagar Purvi also served as a testing platform for the Remotely Operated Vehicle(ROV) developed by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur under the Polymetallic Nodules Programme of the Department. The Multibeam Sonar capable of determining three dimensional bathymetry and seafloor mapping was installed on Sagar Purvi and successfully commissioned during July, 1997. Coastal area off Chennai was surveyed using this sonar and its performance was found to be satisfactory. Other scientific instruments like Single beam Echo Sounder, Acoustic Sub Bottom Profiler were also successfully tested on board Sagar Purvi.