Mangalore: Coast Guard Equips Fishing Trawls With Distress Alert Transmitters

Mangalore, May 30, 2011: The Indian coast guard announced the distribution of Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) devices to fishing trawlers to ensure faster response in case of emergencies on Monday May 30.

The device, which uses Global Positioning System (GPS), was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisaton (ISRO).

Operations officer (search and rescue) of the coast guard, Col R K Sharma said that distribution of the device has already begun. He added that the highest number of problems at sea occurred during the monsoon season, and with the first showers expected in a few days, the coast guard was taking all safety measures possible.

The coast guard also conducted a demonstration on the use of the device and advised the fishermen on the placing of the device. They also encouraged the fishermen to conduct group fishing, with at least one boat in the group equipped with DAT. The device was distributed by the coast guard for free.

How does DAT work?

The DAT has one button each to indicate fire, medical emergency, man overboard and capsizing of the vessel. In case any of the aforementioned incidents occur, the crew has to press the appropriate button and the DAT emits a signal which is transmitted through a satellite to the coast guard which responds based on the type of emergency. The device gives the exact position of the ship every minute. The coast guard will send a helicopter, a boat or divert a nearby vessel in response to the signal.

source: DaijiWorld.com