CIFT calls for safety of small fishing vessels

Kochi: A study initiated by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology  (CIFT) to assess the impact of Ockhi cyclone on the fisheries sector has found that most of the small-scale fishing vessels which were destructed had no essential safety equipment like lifejacket or life buoy. The boats were also not certified for safety or stability, it was found. The CIFT has submitted a brief report to the state government with recommendations for ensuring the safety of small fishing units.

As part of the study, basic information on the technical details of craft and gear was  collected from fishermen groups, officials of the department of fisheries and other government agencies. Meetings were conducted with fishermen organisations and Church authorities. Most of the Ockhi-affected crafts in Vizhinjam and Poonthura were plywood boats which have been operating for two to 11 years.

Some of the major safety recommendations made by the CIFT based on the study are:  keep  sufficient number of life jackets with illumination and whistle,  fix two life buoys in the forward part of the boat and two at the rear  area under the seat, reserve fuel to be carried to meet return voyage in bad weather, use  stipulated quantity of gear onboard and make  radar reflector mandatory for facilitating detection from far during rescue operation.