Plans to avert deep sea fishing accidents

by Mohammed NAALIR

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Rajitha Senaratne said, in a bid to minimise unexpected deep sea fishing accidents Marine quality assessment certificates will be issued to the deep sea fishing boats.

The Minister said the deep sea fishing boats will be subjected to thorough check ups in the process of marine quality assessment certificate issuing process.

According to the Minister, life threats and missing of fishermen in the deep sea could be minimised considerably with the implementation of new procedure.

Large number of deaths and missing incidents have been reported in the past, caused due to boat engine fault.Marine quality assessment certificates will be issued on the basis of maintenance and quality of the boats. Such a certificate is compulsory to fish in the deep sea, the Ministry sources said.

Each and every fishing boat must be registered with Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department.

The Navy is rendering measureless contribution to rescue the fishermen in case of an unexpected accident or engine fault of the boat, Minister Senaratne added.