Boost for Indian maritime safety and security

VXL Technologies Ltd has launched the DAT or Distress Alert Transmitter, a GPS based search and rescue beacon, which promises to strengthen India’s maritime safety and security system.

In case of distress at sea caused by inclement weather, ill-health of crew, onboard fires or boat capsize, a simple flick of a switch on the DAT fitted on-board the vessel sends out a continuous stream of signals to the INSAT 3A satellite of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which then beams the signals down to the Chennai-based Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) of the Indian Coast Guard. MRCC, which is a hub linked to coordination centres in each coastal state, then immediately coordinates the search and rescue operation from air and sea.

The extremely high positional accuracy of less than five metres allows the Coast Guard to locate the craft in distress, even on the high seas and in adverse weather conditions, enabling successful conclusion of rescue missions within the shortest possible time.

The DAT technology has been developed by Space Application Centre, ISRO, at the behest of Indian Coast Guard, the protector of the country’s 7600-km long coastline bordering 13 states and union territories. VXL Technologies is currently the country’s sole DAT manufacturer, under licence from ISRO.

Till date, around 1000 units have been supplied and the supply of 1000 more is in progress. DATs are being supplied at a nominal cost by VXL Technologies. Registration is required only with the Indian Coast Guard, which is the authorized search & rescue coordination authority at sea in India. The small size of the equipment, robust construction and simple operation have ensured a good acceptance by fishermen.

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