New Delhi, June 17 (IANS) The Indian Coast Guard Thursday urged coastal states to sensitise fishermen about safety aspects while at sea.
India’s coastal security and preparedness to deal with any
offshore threats were reviewed at the ninth meeting of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB) here.
‘It focussed on the safety of fishing vessels, mechanised sailing vessels, and seaworthiness of merchant vessels plying in Indian waters,’ a spokesperson of the Indian Coast Guard said.
Coast Guard Director General Vice Admiral Anil Chopra presided over the NMSARB meeting.
‘The meeting urged the coastal states to sensitise fishermen to adhere to the safety aspects whilst proceeding to sea,’ the spokesperson said.
The NMSARB, founded in 2002, coordinates the National Search and Rescue Plan, in accordance with the provisions of international conventions.
Members of 19 organisations including the directorate general of shipping, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, and representatives of stakeholders, including the coastal states and sailing and fishing vessel associations are represented on the board.
The board meets annually to discuss policy issues, formulate guidelines and procedures, and considers recommendations on updating the National Search and Rescue Plan.
The Indian Coast Guard, the nodal agency for maritime search and rescue, has so far helped save 4,854 lives by coordinating 1,333 SAR missions.
In the past one year, 431 lives were saved, out of which 325 were rescued by Indian Coast Guard, 72 by fishermen and 34 by merchant mariners.
