PANJIM: With the country’s coastline vulnerable to possible terrorist attacks, Goa government is proposing the installation of a vessel traffic monitoring system that will track suspicious offshore activities, including possible terrorist landings and undersea movements.
Captain of Ports has proposed installing Vessel Traffic and Port Management System (VTPMS), which is mandatory for seaports to enable safe navigation to monitor international vessels carrying hazardous cargo transiting its waters.
“It will also help in monitoring terrorist landings and suspicious movements undersea,” a senior official said adding that the proposal is before the government for approval. “The VTPMS is designed to improve security and navigational safety at sea and river ports,” he added.
The State has a 105 kilometre long coastline and has been on the terrorist radar for sometime due to the large number of foreign tourists visiting it.
As per Goa State Pollution Control Board’s annual report 2015-16, when installed, VTPMS will advice, monitor shipping lanes and separation scheme to enforce compliance of safe navigation regulation, assistance to coast guards and other authorities, detection of oil spill and improve overall port efficiency.
The State has nine minor ports, and commercial jetties include 19 in the North and 13 in South Goa. Mormugao Port Trust is the only main port the State has.
At present, only an automatic identification system and very high frequency range of radio system is available with CoP to communicate and keep track on movement of ships and barges. The new facility will be installed at the Captain of Ports office for round-the-clock marine traffic management.
The system will have a network of radars, AIS, close circuit television cameras and drones with cameras for surveillance and computer-assisted tracking, similar to that used in air traffic control, enabling operators to manage vessel traffic, monitor the coastline’s environment, ports and important establishments along the coast and rivers.
