Mangaluru: The Commander of Coast Guard Karnataka, KR Suresh, has advised all the seafarers including merchant vessels, dhows and fishing boats, to take precautions while operating at sea.

A press release by the Indian Coast Guard said here on Tuesday that Suresh took stock of the preparedness of the Coast Guard units, including Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) Mangaluru, for the ensuing monsoon.

Machinery upkeep
It said that the Coast Guard Karnataka has requested all the merchant ships to follow the laid down standard operating procedures. The masters of the merchant vessels should ensure seaworthiness of their vessels. They should also ensure proper securing of the cargo. Maintenance and upkeep of the machinery and propulsion systems should be undertaken as per schedule. The second anchor and chain cable should be kept standby in case of the merchant vessels at anchorage, it said.

The Coast Guard also asked fishermen not to venture into the sea during the fishing ban period from June 1 to July 31. After the ban period, whenever fishing boats are proceeding to sea, they should take necessary precautions. The fishing boats should operate in pairs or groups.

Liaison with AAI
The Indian Coast Guard has been operating Dornier aircraft detachments for search and rescue, maritime reconnaissance and for coastal security from New Mangalore on regular basis. The MRSC Mangaluru is maintaining close liaison with the Airports Authority of India here for distress monitoring and undertaking search and rescue operations, the release said.

The assistance from Indian Coast Guard can be sought round-the-clock on toll-free number 1554. In case of distress, details such as GPS position, type of emergency, colour of the boat, and number of crew, including photographs, should be forwarded for timely assistance, it added.