Coastal security squads comprising seasoned fishermen will be formed shortly to strengthen coastal security system and improve rescue measures from the lessons learnt in the aftermath of cyclone Ockhi.
Members of such coastal squads will be given training in rescue activities at the Goa-based National Institute of Water Sports. The squads are being formed with the primary objective of undertaking emergency rescue activities in the wake of disasters like Ockhi for which they will be remunerated at a rate to be fixed by the government.
Applications have been invited from boat owners having vessels with licence and registration. In the case of traditional vessels, applications should be submitted in groups comprising the boat owner and two workers whereas in the case of mechanised boats, groups comprising captain, driver and boat owner/representative should apply. If the boat owner is not a fisherman with seagoing experience or does not satisfy the eligibility criteria, then an experienced fisherman could be included in his place. However, that should be clearly mentioned in the application.
Satphone, NavIC
Selected fish workers, particularly traditional workers, venturing beyond 36 nautical miles will be issued global satellite phones for communication when in distress. Preference will be given to traditional fishers. Vessel registration and employment of fishers registered with the Kerala Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Board (KFWFB) are requisites. In the case of mechanised boats, membership in KFWFB is not mandatory.
Fishermen members of the State Welfare Board, those fishing beyond 12 nautical miles and traditional fishers, all with licences and registration, will also be issued the satellite-based NavIC (Navigation in Indian Constellation) system, which will alert them to sea conditions within a radius of 1,500 km.
Applications will be available from the office of the Fisheries Deputy Director (Ernakulam Region) at Vypeen fisheries station and Matsyabhavans. Filled applications will be received at the offices concerned till 5 p.m. on February 8. For more details, contact: 0484-2394476.