Members of a country boat fishermen association submitted a petition to the Collector here on Tuesday seeking steps to stop mechanised boats, which were not registered with the Centre or State government and thus ineligible for provisional certificates, from venturing into the sea.
Fishermen, led by S.J. Gayes, president, Thoothukudi District Country Boat Fishermen Association, said that provisional certificates could be given to boats only if the latter met certain conditions, as per an order passed by the Supreme Court.
But many boats did not meet any of the conditions including skilled boat drivers, insurance, safety equipment, telecommunication devices, certificates proving fitness of the boat for engaging in deep-sea fishing.
On October 8, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, in its order, stated that provisions under Sections 435-G, 435-J and 435-K of the Merchant Shipping Act, which stress the need for Certificate of Registry and Certificate of Inspection, among other requirements, be met before allowing a deep sea vessel into the sea.
On Monday, owners of mechanised boats said that they would engage in stay fishing, which, they claimed, were in compliance with orders of the High Court.