Smart Trawler launches in Bangladesh with security features
By Amila Khan
The first smart boat (sea-going fishing trawler) in Bangladesh has been inaugurated, considering climate change.
Mr. Mostain Billah, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Barguna, Bangladesh, inaugurated the program at Bainchatki ferry terminal in Kakchira Union of Patharghata Upazila around 11 am on 7 December.
Through these activities, the red-green colored first Smart Boat Scheme was launched by providing basic safety equipment to fishermen’s sea-going trawlers to address cyclones’ risks due to climate change.
As per the fishing community’s demand, about 100 smart boat schemes were initially taken from 12 Union Councils of three Upazilas of Barguna District under the Logic Project of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).
On this day, a smart boat was given to the fishermen in compliance with the hygiene rules and Covid-19 protocol. The rest of the smart boats will be built following this model.
In line with the fishermen’s long-standing expectations, a total of ten kinds of sufficient daily necessities and emergency arrangements have been provided in the smart boat.
Such as life jackets, buoys, waterproof dual-band radio (AM / FM), heavy-duty torchlight (for night rescue), a small mirror (for day rescue), heavy-duty strobe light (for position signal), first aid kit, Portable mini water filters, compasses, and solar panels, etc. to make sea saltwater usable.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the Honorable Deputy Commissioner of Barguna said some basic safety and emergency equipment had been put in place to adapt the fishermen’s fishing trawlers to climate change.
As a result, fishers will be able to cope with many benefits to survive and thrive at sea in case of an emergency and before and after the disaster occurs.
Simultaneously, the risk of fishers getting lost in the deep sea will be reduced, and they will be able to return safely before the disaster occurs.
He also mentioned, it is possible to take maximum advantage of Blue Economy by providing these red and green smart boats to the fishermen of 19 coastal districts of Bangladesh like Barguna.
The Deputy Commissioner thanked everyone involved in the Smart Boat Scheme, District Administration, and Logic Project of LGED.
In this regard, Patharghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabrina Sultana said that the safety of the sea-going fishermen in case of natural calamity in the river or sea would be ensured by using the basic life-saving equipment of the smart boat. With that, fishing will increase.
