Mangalore: Fishermen Eyes and Ears of Coastal Security: Coast Guard Commandant
 
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
 
Mangalore, Jun 26: "Fishermen in the deep sea are like eyes and ears of Indian coastal security, for the protection of the entire 1,750 km of coastline. Like in any other country, the coast guard in India too works with the co-operation of the local fishermen, for which communication is important. The fishing community has to be aware of all the aspects relating to national security," said coast guard commandant K L Arun.

He was speaking at an interaction programme for the fishermen community organized jointly by the Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, fisheries department at Shivaji Yuvaka Mandala in fisheries colony, Ullal here on Tuesday June 26. The theme of the interaction programme was ‘Fisheries Protection Safety and Security Aspects’.

Arun said that in case of any emergency situation in the sea, the fishermen can directly call the coast guard number 1554. "Due to threat of terrorist attacks by sea, all fishermen who venture into the sea must posses proper documents, registration certificate and ID cards. The fishermen should inform the coast guard of any suspected boats or ships, he said.

Noting the bravery of youths of Yuvaka Mandala in Ullal, he said Ullal witnessed the maximum number of successful rescue efforts in the sea, as compared to other coastal areas in the state.
 
Demonstrating a satellite based ‘Distress Alert Transmitter’ equipment for the fishing community, he said the equipment developed by ISRO helps the fishermen in case of fire, medical emergency, drowning and for search operations for which separate buttons are provided.

"Once the button for a particular incident is pressed, the information will reach the Chennai office of coastal security which in turn will immediately alert the coastal security personnel in the area concerned. The coastal security team will reach the spot with all preparation to tackle the situation," he informed, adding "Last year, the equipment was distributed to fishermen in Karwar, Bhatkal, Malpe at a subsidized price."
 
Ganapathi Kotian, a local said that in the past 18 years, as many as 500 tourists among others were rescued by the local lifeguards, but the government had done little in this regard.
 
Commandant R K Sharma said that there have been increasing number of accidents between merchant vessels and fishing boats which is a matter of concern. He asked the fishermen to make sure that the boat lights are lit without failure, especially during night hours. He also said that within three years aircraft and hovercraft will be added to strengthen the coast guard.
 
Fisheries department deputy director Vijaykumar said that colour codes have been made mandatory for the boats to identify their original states (boats in different states are given different colour codes), and unions have been intimated on this matter. He assured immediate allotment of smart cards for fishermen.