Distress Alert Transmitters, developed by ISRO’s Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, is a satellite-based system which helps the fishermen to get traced by MRCC and team of local coastguards within almost no time. Its a boon to the fishermen and biggest assurance of safety in harsh situations of sea and at the time of emergency. The technology has been transfered to Indian companies in Make in India regim. Komoline Aerospace Limited is one of the oldest and most reputed companies building DATs.
How it works
INSAT based Distress Alert Transmitter is used to transmit
emergency conditions and position location to a central HUB
station via UHF transponder of INSAT for rescue operation. It
can be easily installed in boats or other vehicles. In case of
emergency, user just needs to switch on the DAT unit. User
is required to select a message (e.g. fire in boat / boat sinking
/ medical help / other emergency) by pressing the
corresponding switch provided on the system. The DAT
combines the message with position of the boat obtained
through GPS, and transmits the same to a central HUB
station. The DAT repeats the message every minute for first
five minutes and then every five minutes till it is switched off
manually or until the battery life gets over.
In case of turbullent situations normally none of the comunication systems like phone, GPS, GPRS etc. works. Satellite communication is a reliable communication system and has been tested and approved by Indian Navy and Airforce again and again.
Distribution of DATs as social responsibility
Seeing the usefulness and reliability of the DAT systems various State & Union Territory Governments like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharastra, Daman & Diu, Andman & Nikobar, Lakshdweep etc. have been distributing these systems as social responsibility towards fishermen. In past few years the awareness regarding the usage and safety of the fishing activities has increased a lot and same is the case of demand of DAT.
Sea Safety Awareness in Sea Sports and Fishing Companies
Now a days various kind of adventourous sea activities have also increased like scuba diving, deep sea adventures etc. various small and medium fishing companies have also been able to establish themselves with inceasing marine fish production of India. These players are very particular about the safety of their visitors, clients and employees and generally purchase DATs on their own from DAT manufacturing companies.
For convenience of fisherment the links for registration and operation of DAT has been shared below.
Registration process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra4s4G7A3yw
For further details websites of such companies will help the fishermen to understand the product and their features in detail.