Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resource Development Ministry Secretary, Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa said all fisheries boats and multiday trawlers had to be insured.
Responding to questions from The Daily Morning regarding measures taken by the Ministry to prevent boat accidents, Dr. Jinadasa noted yesterday (9) that in addition, all fishermen had to wear life jackets while at sea. Also, the skipper of the boat or the multiday trawler has to be licensed.
“Unfortunately, although the Ministry has implemented life jacket regulations, we can only ensure the crew aboard multiday trawlers has their life jackets on when setting out to sea. This is done by the Coast Guard. Whereas, fishermen aboard small boats setting sail from around the country may or may not have their lifejackets on as there is no one to ensure that this safety measure is adopted,” Dr. Jinadasa lamented.
He noted that all boats and vessels are examined for their seaworthiness by a Naval engineer annually before being given the license. Also, all seamen have to undergo a health examination. Further, training is given by the Navy on international maritime laws while the Ministry, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, carries out training in first aid in case a health emergency arises during the voyage.
“However, from the nature of the accidents that have been witnessed in the past, there are questions as to whether fishermen in multiday fishing trawlers and even those in small boats abide by the regulations and wear the life jackets”.
Further, there is also the possibility that persons without any training could join the crew of small boats that set off to sea from around the country.
He noted the Fisheries Ministry had collaborated with the Fisheries Department to conduct a similar training programme with the support of the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Police Narcotic Unit and the Health Department in the Districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota recently in the hope of creating awareness on the safety measures that need to be taken while at sea.