Fishermen must carry life-saving, communication equipment

Fishermen must carry life-saving, communication equipment

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 07, 2016: Coast Guard Karnataka DIG K R Suresh said, Fishermen involved in deep sea fishing should carry DAT, ’distress alert transmitters’, life-saving equipment and radio communication equipment.

Speaking at a meeting on monsoon preparedness chaired by DK DC Adoor B Ibrahim here on june 6, Monday, he said that he will write to the chief secretary to direct the fishermen to take positive steps to ensure there is no loss of life during any mishap in mid-sea. The fishing boats which go into the deep sea fail to carry life-saving jackets, life buoys and radio communication equipment.

Install DATs

The Indian Coast Guard has been insisting fishermen install DATs in fishing boats for their personal safety. The DATs will be of great use in case of any emergency faced by fishermen while at sea.

The fishermen may use the DAT whenever they are in distress to seek help from the coast guard. They can send distress messages to the Coast Guard headquarters whenever they are in trouble by just pressing any one of the four buttons on the DAT.

The DIG said that the fishing boats should have ropes, repair kits and medical aid kits. The ropes help in saving lives in mid-sea. The Fisheries department should direct all the fishermen not to cross the bows of merchant ships at high speed. The fishermen should not venture into the sea during the fishing ban period. Apart from this, they should fish in pairs or groups to help each other in case of distress. The sea-worthiness of the boat should be checked before venturing out into the sea. Fishermen should also keep a stock of food which requires no cooking or refrigeration in case of an emergency. They should also carry valid identity cards with them.

Orange lights : The DIG said the fishing boats should use orange lights to indicate that they are in trouble. The use of orange lights will help the Coast Guard identify the boats that are in distress.