Kerala - Kollam   

Most fishing boats not seaworthy

KOLLAM: A random inspection conducted by the Fisheries Department shows that almost all the mechanised fishing boats operating from the State are not seaworthy. None of them possessed a seaworthy certificate issued by the Department of Ports. This is one of the prime reasons for the increasing accident and casualty rates at sea. Added to this, a majority of the new generation fishermen have not learnt swimming.

The provision of harbour facilities has resulted in the new generation fishermen taking swimming lightly. Sea walls along fishing hamlets also have prevented young fishermen from getting accustomed to swimming in the sea. This situation warrants swimming courses for fishermen at the initiative of fishing communities or societies. There are some mandatory requirements which a boat should meet to qualify for a seaworthy certificate. In the current situation, installation of Very High Frequency (VHF) sets and Global Positioning System (GPS) sets becomes mandatory for earning the certificate. Other paraphernalia required for the certificate include lifesaving equipment such as lifejackets, lifebuoys, rations, drinking water, first aid and fire fighting equipment. The crew having knowledge of swimming should also be made a must.

Last week, during a formal visit to the Kollam cargo port, Inspector-General of the Coast Guard (west) Region A. Rajashekar stated that installation of VHF and GPS sets would help bring down the accident and casualty rates at sea. The inability to communicate in time is the prime cause for most casualties, he said. Recently, the Fisheries Department undertook a successful operation by making all mechanised and traditional fishing vessels compulsorily take a registration from the department.

A report being prepared by the department mentions that the Department of Ports can effect a similar move through the port offices at Thiruvanathapuram, Neendakara and Alappuzha, besides the 14 port conservator offices spread across the State.

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