Mumbai: As part of its measures to boost
coastal security, the Coast Guard on Monday distributed the
Distress Alert Transmission System (DATS) to the fishermen in
the region.
To further strengthen the coastal security network and
aid to fisherman, DATS are being distributed by Coast Guard to
the fishing community free of cost, a release said.
The DATS is a totally indigenous equipment designed by
ISRO to give real time information of distress alert or any
security breach like hijacking, terror attack etc occurring at
sea.
As a part of efforts during last three months, Coast
Guard in coordination with Dept of Fisheries organised one
such programme in Mumbai at Coast Guard Regional Headquarters
at Worli, in presence of representatives of approx 30 fishing
associations of Mumbai and adjoining areas.
Officials from State Police, Fisheries and Home Dept
along with coast guard officers attended the function.
Authorities laid down importance of sensitisation of
fishermen from Mumbai and lauded their contribution in coastal
security and safe and secure Mumbai.
A practical demonstration of DATS equipment was
conducted in front of fishermen. Alarm was pressed in the
equipment to indicate blast/explosion; the signal was captured
by satellite and further relayed to Coast Guard Maritime
rescue and coordination centre at Chennai.
The Centre, within two minutes, relayed the incident
to Mumbai indicating position and other details and Mumbai
centre in turn directed CG ships at sea to head towards
position of distress and render assistance.
Commander Coast Guard Region (W) Inspector General SPS
Basra addressed the meeting.
PTI
First Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 20:42