The sea phase of SIMBEX-06, the joint Indo-Singapore naval exercises began with the ships of the two navies sailing out of Visakhapatnam [Images] early Friday morning.

The four-day sea exercises will be conducted on the eastern seaboard off the coast of Visakhapatnam. This is the first time that Singapore Navy is involved in joint exercises in this port city, which is also the headquarters of Eastern Naval Command.

In the next four days, the ships will carry out various exercises, which include anti-surface firing, anti-aircraft firing and anti-submarine exercises.

In addition, damage control exercises, encounter exercises, maritime security exercises and manoeuvres would also be carried out.

The visiting ships RSS Victory, Vengeance and Dauntless will participate in these exercises.

The Indian side would be represented by INS Ranvijay, Kulish and Karmuk.

The Singaporean ships have berthed in the city port since February 28.

A pre-sail conference, to work out the modalities for the smooth conduct of the exercises, was held between the command teams of all ships participating in the exercise.

A professional interaction session was held where officers and sailors of the two navies learnt from each other's operating procedures. Friendly sporting activities were also conducted between the teams of the two navies to build mutual trust and better understanding of each other.

The officers and sailors of the visiting ships went on a sightseeing to Kailashgiri, R K Beach and Kursura submarine museum.

The sea phase of exercise will conclude on March 6 and followed by cultural interaction and visit of RSN Fleet Commander Col Tan Kai Hoe to Visakhapatnam, the release added.