Port Blair, Dec 09: 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, Indian Coast Guard Ship C-146 conducted community interaction with fishing community at Junglighat on 05 Dec 19. During the CIP, 35-40 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. Fishermen were briefed on the operation of Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) and were advice to carryout buddy fishing and carry at least one DAT in the group whilst venturing into sea. 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 to co-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. A brief lecture on prohibited marine species was covered and the fishermen were advised not to catch the banned species. The gathering was informed not to engage in activities other than fishing and if engaged in cargo transportation, never to overload the boat.
The opportunity was also utilized to create awareness amongst fishing community towards no single use plastic. The gathering was appraised on ill effects of pollution and plastics not only on our health but also to the marine environment. The community was encouraged to join hands with Indian Coast Guard in their efforts to ensure clean and safer seas as part of ‘Swacch Sagar Abhiyaan’.
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.
