DISTRESS
ALERT TRANSMITTER - SCI & TECH
News:
ISRO develops second
generation Distress Alert Transmitter
What's
in the news?
●
ISRO Second generation Distress Alert
Transmitter, Recently the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed an improvised
distress alert transmitter (DAT-SG) with advanced
capabilities for fishermen at sea to send emergency messages from boats.
Distressed
Alert Transmitter:
●
It is a device used for sending emergency messages from fishing
boats.
●
It has been operational since 2010.
Developed
by - ISRO
Procedures:
●
Its messages are transmitted via a communication satellite to the Indian
Mission Control Centre, where alert signals are decoded for the fishing
boat’s identity and location.
●
The information is then transmitted to
maritime rescue coordination centers (MRCCs) of the Indian Coast Guard, which
coordinates search and rescue operations for distressed fishermen.
Operational
on - The
services of DAT-SG are declared operational on 24 x 7 basis.
Features:
1.
Real-Time Acknowledgments:
●
DAT-SG goes beyond emergency distress
signals.
●
It can receive messages from control
centers, allowing the dissemination of advance alerts regarding adverse weather conditions, cyclones, tsunamis, or other
emergencies.
●
Fishermen receive timely information,
enabling them to navigate safely or return home, thus preventing potential
disasters.
2.
Two-way communication:
●
In addition to sending distress signals,
it can also receive messages from control centers.
●
It enhances the effectiveness of the
system, ensuring a more comprehensive response to emergency situations.
3.
Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs) updates:
●
DAT-SG transmits regular updates on
Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs) to fishermen, aiding them in maximizing catches and saving time and
fuel.
4.
Bluetooth connectivity:
●
It can connect to mobile phones via
Bluetooth, making user-friendly
interface enhances accessibility and ensures effective communication
between the maritime community and control centers.
5.
Maritime safety:
●
It plays a pivotal role in enhancing
maritime safety by providing an advanced and reliable communication platform
for fishermen.
●
With its improved features and
capabilities, it contributes significantly to minimizing response time during
emergencies, ultimately saving lives at sea.
6.
Remove Language Barrier:
●
The messages received by DAT-SG can be
read in native language using an App
on the mobile.
Go
back to basics:
●
The central
control center (INMCC) utilizes the web-based network management system ‘SAGARMITRA’ to keep a database of
registered DAT-SGs.
●
It aids MRCCs in accessing immediate
information about distressed boats, allowing the Indian Coast Guard to carry
out swift Search & Rescue operations.