'Operation Sajag helped identify drawbacks in fishing boats'

Mangaluru: ‘Operation Sajag,’ a security exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard off the Karnataka coast has helped identify many drawbacks especially in fishing boats, Deputy Inspector General S B Venkatesh, Commander, Coast Guard Karnataka has said.

Fishing boats operating in the state’s coast were checked on Wednesday as to whether they had mandatory documents and life jackets required while sailing, he told reporters on the sidelines of the 29th anniversary of setting up Coast Guard’s Karnataka unit in Mangaluru.

During the check, it was noticed that many fishing boats did not have the mandatory documents and life jackets and the matter will be taken up with the Fisheries department.

The Coast Guard is also convincing fishermen to follow security protocols including wearing life jackets while fishing, he said.

The operation helped the Coast Guard to check if fishermen were taking the mandated precautionary measures while sailing.

These included ensuring that their distress alert transmitters were in working order, he said.

The commander said the proposal to set up a hover port for its two hovercraft is in the final stages.

Moves are also on to have separate hangars for its three interceptor crafts at the Coast Guard’s air enclave at Bajpe here.

The Centre has approved in principle the proposal to set up the country’s first Coast Guard training academy in Mangaluru in about 160 acres of land.

The academy will provide specialised training for Coast Guard personnel, he said.