The ongoing development of India’s coastal management projects, aimed at tracking small fishing vessels, is gaining substantial progress. A prominent highlight in the forthcoming schedule is the third edition of the ‘pan-India’ coastal defence Exercise Sea Vigil-22, which is set to take place on the 15th and 16th of November to assess coastal security.
Projects Designed to Monitor Small Fishing Vessels
Several projects have been deployed with an objective to trace minor fishing vessels along India’s extensive coastlines.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS), mandated for all vessels exceeding 20 meters post the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, was a decision from the National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security. However, for vessels below 20 meters, the implementation process has encountered several hindrances.
The Vehicle Management System (VMS) exhibits advanced features including two-way communication. The technology’s commercial production is now in the hands of four companies following successful trials conducted last year with the Indian Space Research Organisation on one of their communication satellites off the Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts.
To simplify the verification and monitoring of India’s numerous fishing vessels, the online ReALCraft platform (Registration and Licensing of Fishing Craft) was developed. Biometric Identity Cards issued to the majority of fishermen and composite card readers handed to maritime security agencies aid in verifying the identity of fishing vessel crews at sea.
The Quad grouping, during the Tokyo summit 2022, announced the ambitious Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative. This tracks “dark shipping” and creates a “faster, wider, and more accurate maritime picture of near-real-time activities in partner waters”, integrating three crucial regions in the Indo-Pacific – the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About Exercise Sea Vigil
The inaugural edition of this exercise, India’s largest coastal defence drill, took place in January 2019. It serves as a prelude to the major Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), conducted biennially by the Indian Navy.
Sea Vigil 2022 Edition: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Maritime Security
Exercise Sea Vigil-22 aims at providing a realistic assessment of India’s strengths and weaknesses, thereby aiding in fortifying maritime and national security. The exercise will activate the coastal security apparatus across India and is coordinated by the Indian Navy in association with the Coast Guard and other ministries responsible for maritime activities.
The exercise will extend along the entire 7,516 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and will engage all the Coastal States, Union territories, and other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities.
The Greater Significance of Sea Vigil
By encompassing the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges, including the transition from peace to conflict, Sea Vigil and TROPEX together offer an apex-level opportunity to evaluate the country’s readiness in maritime security and coastal defense.
Reference: TH