MARGAO, JULY 16
With last year’s cyclone taking a heavy toll on human lives, safety of crew members onboard mechanised fishing vessels will get top priority when the 1000-odd fishing vessels venture out in the Arabian sea this new season, beginning August 1.
Not only around 191 fishing vessels will be equipped with the latest safety and communication system, the Government has made it mandatory for all vessels venturing out in the sea to provide life jackets and buoys for crew.
In fact, Goa became the first State on Friday to avail the centrally sponsored scheme, wherein vessels will be fitted with the latest Global Positioning System and the Very High Frequency System for quick and better communications. On the anvil for the fishing vessels is the state-of-the-art identification and tracking system, wherein the location of the vessels could be tracked down from the offices on shore.
That’s not all. All fishing boats vessels are now required to make provision for life jackets for crew members depending on the type of vessel. For instance, a country made canoe has to make provision for five life jackets, trawler (8) and purse seine vessel (25) as per the latest guidelines from the Fisheries Department.
While the Communication and Safety scheme is funded by the Centre with 75 per cent subsidy, the life jacket scheme is being worked out by the State Fisheries Department, offering 75 per cent subsidy to the boat owners.
Says Fisheries Minister, Joaquim Alemao: “These latest communication and safety equipments will boost the safety aspects of the vessels in times of emergencies. The Goa Government is aware of the safety norms given the loss of 67 lives in last year’s cyclone. Goa has become the first State in the country to avail the central scheme”.
He said the scheme on life jackets has received nod from the Government and it would take a month and half before it is implemented in the State. “We have asked the boat owners to procure the life jackets before the commencement of the fishing season and then seek reimbursement after the scheme comes into force”, Alemao said.
