ISRO's protection for fishermen!

Mangaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has created a device which will help in case a boat goes missing in the deep sea, or prevent collision and in case of an accident, make it convenient for quick rescue operations.

The sudden and mysterious missing of deep sea trawler Suvarna Tribhuja from Malpe went viral nationally. Hence, the fisheries department took decision to prevent repeating of such an incident in the future and requested ISRO to create a device in this effect.

The device demo has been witnessed. The next process will be conducted once it is discussed with the fisheries minister, informed department officials to “Udayavani”.

For now, transponder is mandatory

As a precautionary measure, the fisheries department has passed an order making it mandatory for all boats to install AIS transponder on their vessels thereby making it convenient for rescue missions in case of a deep sea incident. This transponder relays information regarding the location of the vessel and the trouble it’s facing. Diesel subsidy passbook is provided only to those who the expense bill regarding the installation of the transponder on their vessel. Hence, most of the boats have installed this device, inform sources from the department.

What is device by ISRO?

Information regarding the situation is received from the transponder only after the occurrence of the incident. But the device by ISRO will provide information from the moment the vessel is facing danger. Direct communication with the fishermen is possible through this device. The device makes it convenient to start the operation immediately after receiving the information.

Two way communication possible

Only one way communication is possible via the presently used transponders. In other words, only information regarding the boat facing a situation and its location can be relayed from the transponder to the coast guard control room. It is not possible for the control room to ask for further information. However with the new device, two-way communication is possible. Hence, by gathering further information, the rescue operation can be conducted more effectively. The new device functions on satellite communication.

Presently, two meetings have been held with ISRO. The demo of the new communication device has been conducted. The next steps will be taken after holding discussions with the fisheries minister concerning this. If everything goes well, the device will be provided to the fishermen on a subsidized rate – Tippeswamy, Fisheries Department Deputy Director, Mangaluru