Mangaluru: The coastal state of Karnataka has 320 Km long coastline and a major portion of trade and commerce both national and international, is routed through sea routes off the state. Karnataka has one major Port at New Mangalore and 12 minor Ports at Karwar, Old Mangalore, Belekeri, Tadari, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Hungarekatta, Malpe, Padubidri, Manki and Mavinakurve. Karnataka shares its maritime borders with the States of Goa, Kerala and Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands.
The international shipping traffic is monitored by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and other maritime security agencies. During the ongoing monsoons, the sea conditions are rough and safe transit of international merchant vessels is very important to avoid any unwarranted issues on our coastline and closer to the coasts.
Deputy Inspector General KR Suresh, TM, the Commander Coast Guard Karnataka chaired the Safety meeting at Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC), Mangaluru, today on 21 June 2016 and stated that the merchant vessels not adhering to the safe and expeditious passage on laid down shipping traffic lanes pose safety and maritime security threats. The vessels which are stopped and adrift, anchored outside Port limits and awaiting orders for next Port, proceeding for demolition without prior intimation should be monitored by the ICG ships and craft. The merchant vessels transiting through the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India should participate in PANS (Pre-Arrival Notification) and INDSAR (Indian Search and Rescue System). Anchoring in territorial waters without PANS and drifting for undergoing repairs in undesignated areas are to be with prior information and closely monitored.
Vessels flying the Indian flag as well as all the port communication centres and vessel traffic management centres are encouraged to report such vessels to the nearest MRSC to monitor and document. The information of such vessels will be taken up with DG Shipping at Mumbai by MRCC, Mumbai for issuance of advisory.
The Coast Guard Commander Karnataka also informed that cases of various merchant vessels taking shelter without prior intimation around the islands of Karnataka/Lakshadweep & Minicoy have come to light. All the merchant vessels, their owners and agents are advised to follow the laid down standard operating procedures and follow international shipping lanes. Sighting of vessels not adhering to the norms should be intimated to the ICG by the passing vessels on phone number 0824-2405269/2405270/2405278 and e-mail id [email protected].
