NT Reporter Panaji
In the wake of four fishermen being rescued after their fishing vessel was stranded at sea off Karnataka, the Fisheries Department has directed all such vessel owners to ensure that the transponder installed on their boats remains switched on 24×7 during fishing trips to enable tracking and monitoring in emergencies.
Fisheries Director (Link) Chandrakant Velip said that the recent incident involving a missing vessel, and the difficulties faced by the department in tracing it, prompted the issuance of fresh guidelines to strengthen safety measures and ensure a more effective response in similar situations.
As part of the mandatory requirements, Velip said fishing vessel owners must ensure that valid and updated documents are carried onboard at all times. These include the vessel registration certificate, vessel licence, net licence, fishing pass, certificate of insurance coverage for both the vessel and crew, and QR-coded Aadhaar card (e-Aadhaar) of each crew member.
On safety equipment, Velip said that depending on the type and size of the vessel, owners must ensure the availability of lifesaving appliances, including adequate numbers of life jackets and life buoys. He said fire safety equipment must be onboard and in working condition.
Vessels must be equipped with functional navigation and communication systems such as the automatic identification system, global positioning system and other required equipment.
“Failure to comply with the above guidelines will result in necessary action being initiated under the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 and Rules, 1982,” Velip said.
