A cross-section of fishermen in the coastal areas has urged the government to distribute life-saving equipment either at free of cost or at subsidised rates.
Now, they have to spend Rs. 5,700 to purchase a kit from the open market. But it was unaffordable to fishermen having small fishing crafts, said Tsunami Fishermen Rehabilitation Development Association president R.M.P. Rajendira Nattar of Akkaraipettai.
He told The Hindu that the Government as well as various non-governmental organizations had provided life-saving equipment to both the motorised and mechanised fishermen after tsunami. But because of some practical difficulties in handling, fishermen seldom carry them while they set out to sea.
But the Fisheries Department as well as Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group should ensure the presence of the life-saving kits in the boats.
Otherwise, they should be empowered to impose fine on fishermen.
The Fisher Friend Programme (FFP) of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation empowers fishermen. MSSRF principal scientist S. Velvizhi said the shore-to-shore approach had evoked good response from fishermen. The Ocean State Forecast (OSF) provides weather, wave, and wind-speed forecast and helped fisher folk take informed decision on venturing into the sea.
Further, GPS trainings helped them navigate precisely and safely to avoid danger zones. The programme provided awareness on sea safety measures, first-aid practices, and trouble-shooting for diesel engines while at sea.
More than 40,000 fishermen from 611 villages in 29 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha had enrolled themselves with MSSRF to exchange weather warning and communication system through various electronic gadgets in association with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
The fishermen should go for fishing in groups so that they could help each other during distress periods, said Ms. Velvizhi.
Many fishermen say life-saving equipment are unaffordable
Experts say it must be made compulsory for boats to carry these equipment
