Revolutionizing Maritime Safety: Vessel Communication System's Milestone Achievement

The indigenously developed Vessel Communication and Support System demonstrated its importance by safeguarding fishermen during Cyclone DANA. Utilizing technology from ISRO, it ensures real-time tracking and effective emergency responses. This initiative, crucial for India's fishing communities, represents significant progress in maritime safety infrastructure.

The indigenously developed Vessel Communication and Support System has become a pivotal asset in protecting fishermen amid Cyclone DANA, the government revealed on Tuesday.

With capabilities for real-time tracking and emergency coordination, it effectively guided fishing vessels to safety during the cyclonic conditions that hit the coast.

The Ministry of Fisheries highlighted that this marks a significant advancement in maritime safety infrastructure, demonstrating transponder technology's potential in safeguarding fishermen and boosting India's maritime preparedness. The system, featuring ISRO-developed transponder technology, allows real-time vessel tracking and emergency response coordination. The government plans to install these transponders on one lakh fishing vessels across 13 coastal states and Union territories. In Odisha alone, over 1,000 transponders have already been installed, proving crucial during the cyclone. Experts believe the system's success could inform strategies for other regions facing similar challenges. As India aims to bolster its maritime safety framework, this system becomes even more vital for its large fishing community who regularly contend with weather-related threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)