The Indian government has announced a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the safety of fishermen by equipping one lakh fishing vessels with indigenously developed transponders across India’s coastal states and Union Territories. These devices, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), allow for two-way communication, making it possible for fishermen to stay connected and receive critical updates even beyond mobile network coverage.
What is a Transponder?
A transponder is a device that combines a transmitter and responder, used widely in monitoring, communication, and control applications. It automatically replies to an incoming signal, known as an interrogator, by sending back information such as location and identification codes. The communication system relies on radio frequencies, where receiving and transmitting signals operate on different frequencies to prevent interference.
Transponders are common in both civilian and military sectors for purposes like identifying and tracking aircraft, managing communications satellites, enabling vehicle key identification, and even in technologies like electronic toll collection and credit card security. For example, in aviation, an air traffic controller sends an interrogator signal, to which the aircraft’s transponder responds with identifying information, allowing the controller to track it in real-time.
Benefits of Transponders in Fishing Vessels
For fishermen, the new transponders, combined with the Nabhmitra Application, offer a reliable “lifeline” while at sea. The recent Cyclone DANA highlighted the effectiveness of this technology, as transponders allowed authorities in Odisha to track vessel positions, monitor speeds, and estimate arrival times to ensure fishermen returned to shore safely.
The Nabhmitra Application complements the transponder system by providing:
- Real-time vessel tracking: Enables authorities to see each vessel’s location, speed, and course.
- Cyclone updates: Offers critical information such as the cyclone’s location, intensity, and projected path.
- Weather updates: Includes data on sea conditions, wind speed and direction, and visibility.
By facilitating accurate tracking and communication during emergencies, this initiative provides a crucial safety network for fishermen, helping them respond to severe weather and other potential dangers at sea.