OTHER ASSISTANCE

SAFETY OF FISHERMEN
 

While professionally qualified mariners are trained for ‘survival at sea’, fisher-folk generally lack this ability. The Indian Coast Guard conducts special classes and demonstrations to educate the fisherfolk on issues related to survival at sea. The ICG, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) took the lead-role in developing and providing low-cost Distress Alert Transmitters (DATs) for fishermen. The signal from the Distress Alert Transmitter, when activated from a fishing boat, is detected by the INSAT and relayed to the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai, which is the hub for DATS. All information, including the registration number and beacon ID, is available at the MRCC to identify the boat, and its location for speedy rescue.

Survival training to Fisherfolks	Distribution of ‘DATS’ to fishermen

 

 MEDICAL CAMPS

The ICG conducts medical camps in remote locations for the fishing community to provide them special education on matters related to health and hygiene, and for distributing medicines and providing free health checkups. This aspect gains significance during natural or man-made disasters.