Port Blair Oct 28: Indian Coast Guard regularly conducts Community Interaction with fishing community as fishermen, being eyes and ears of Coast Guard, play an important role in coastal security mechanism. In order to strengthen the bond with fishing community, Pollution Response Team (A & N) and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Port Blair in coordination with Indian Coast Guard Ship ArunaAsaf Ali conducted the community interaction with fishing community at Haddo and Junglighat on 24 and 25 Oct 19 respectively. During the CIP, 45-50 fishermen alongwith representatives from fisheries department were present. During the course of conduct, the Officers from Indian Coast Guard addressed the gathering about Search and Rescue set up in India, especially in Port Blair and explained various precautionary measures to be followed while venturing out for fishing. The fisher-folks were enlightened on effective usage of SAR toll free number 1554. Theoretical briefing followed by practical demonstration of Safety Equipment was also carried out. The fishermen were also briefed about carrying of life saving gears such as life jackets, life buoys etc.
During the interaction, local fishermen were requested toco-operate with Coast Guard & PMF during verification of documents at sea. They were also made aware of their role in coastal security and were urged to report any suspicious activity happening around in their areas. They were assured that prompt action will be initiated on receipt of any vital information. Fishermen were also directed to carry proper Identity cards and display Indian flag for positive identification by security forces especially during Coastal Security Exercises.
Interestingly, in this community interaction organized by ICG, the families of fishermen were also encouraged to participate. The inquisitiveness prevailing amongst the families of fishermen to understand the sea safety standard was overwhelming and has taken Community Interaction Programme into Community Integration where the families also encouraged to guide their men in adherence to safety norms at sea especially caring the life safety gears prior venturing to sea.
During CIP, it was evident that compulsion from families for carrying lifesaving equipment has greater degree success than enforcing the same through Law enforced activity.
At the end of the CIP, the fishermen expressed their commitment for extending all assistance as necessary for strengthening of coastal security mechanism. ‘Such interactions not only enlighten the fishermen on safety aspects at sea but also helps in establishing strong bonding with the community’, a communique received from CG PRO.
