Fishermen venturing into the deep sea from South 24 Parganas now have a powerful safety shield to protect them—a new satellite-based technology developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Known as the Satellite-Based Maritime Safety Assistant System, or simply the transponder, this cutting-edge device is being installed in trawlers to ensure better communication, location tracking and emergency response, particularly in dangerous waters.
The Fisheries Department has already started implementing this technology in 300 trawlers from the Kakdwip subdivision. Officials have confirmed that in the coming days, every trawler in the district will be equipped with this system.
The transponder operates using satellite signals, eliminating the need for mobile towers. This allows real-time two-way communication, even in the middle of the sea. In case of accidents, medical emergencies or adverse weather conditions, fishermen can send distress messages to alert authorities onshore. These are received swiftly, ensuring a rapid response.
Moreover, the advanced device aids early identification of fish-rich zones, such as schools of hilsa, which will be particularly useful as the hilsa season approaches. Fishermen can thus work more efficiently and safely.
Another critical feature is boundary monitoring. In the past, several Indian trawlers have accidentally entered Bangladeshi waters during storms or due to navigation errors. This new system will automatically sound warning signals when a vessel approaches or crosses into foreign waters, helping to avoid international complications.
“This technology is a game-changer,” said Surjit Bagh, Deputy Director of Fisheries (Marine), South 24 Parganas. “It was developed after repeated incidents of trawlers crossing borders during natural disasters. Now, each trawler’s location can be monitored, and alerts can be issued before they cross into Bangladesh.”
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The transponder system supports all coastal languages of India, ensuring that fishermen from different linguistic backgrounds can use it with ease. Using GPS and ISRO’s satellite network, the system provides reliable data and emergency communication capabilities even in the remotest parts of the sea.
Pritam Panda, who is overseeing the installation of these devices in Kakdwip, emphasised their usefulness: “Fishermen can now locate fish schools quickly and avoid danger zones. They can also send alerts during fire outbreaks or health issues.”
Fisherman Vishnupada Das shared his relief: “When we go far into the sea, phones stop working. Now, with this device, we can communicate during emergencies. It gives us hope for survival in dangerous times.”
Satinath Patra, secretary of the Kakdwip Fishermen's Workers’ Union, also praised the initiative: “This ISRO technology is a blessing. Previous devices had only one-way communication. Now, we can both send and receive messages. Help will reach us faster and lives will be saved.”
As thousands of trawlers prepare to set out for the hilsa season, this technology promises to make deep-sea fishing significantly safer. With real-time monitoring, two-way communication, and GPS tracking, ISRO’s transponder system is being hailed as a life-saving innovation for India’s coastal fishing community.
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