The delay on the part of mechanised boat owners to ensure uniform colour coding for fishing vessels, as part of efforts to enhance coastal security, has prompted the Fisheries Department to accelerate measures to enforce the Centre’s direction in this regard during the trawling ban period.
Though the State government had issued orders on February 16 last year to enforce the instructions of the Home Ministry, the Fisheries Department has reportedly failed to ensure that boat owners comply with the orders. The orders were issued by the State government after discussions with associations of boat owners, and the colours were finalised in consultation with them. According to the Home Ministry, each coastal State should have its own colour coding for boats. It said the hull of all registered mechanised fishing vessels should be painted dark blue, while orange colour should be given to wheel houses.
“Colour coding of mechanised boats has already been delayed, with boat owners citing expenses involved in re-painting,” Additional Director of Fisheries K.M. Lathi said. She added that the Fisheries Department had initiated efforts to make sure that colour coding is in place at the earliest. According to her, boat owners have promised to complete the process during the trawling ban period.
The State has 4,813 registered motorised fishing boats. Of these, only 422 have so far complied with the colour coding order. Fisheries Department officials said compliance was higher in Ernakulam district. According to them, efforts are on to complete the disbursement of biometric identity cards to fishermen as part of ensuring marine security.
“Nearly 75 per cent fishermen have been issued biometric identity cards,” said Dineshan Cheruvatt, Joint Director of Fisheries (Kozhikode Region). He added the rest would be brought under the identification system soon. Also, steps have been taken in compliance with international obligations.
