The federal government has finalized a plan to install Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) on fishing boats to enhance maritime security and curb illegal activities at sea. The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) will oversee the installation process. Before the equipment is fitted, all boats will be formally registered.
Coverage and Phases
Sources indicate that around 10,000 fishing boats from Sindh and Balochistan will be brought under the VMS network. In the first phase, 4,000 boats from Sindh and 4,000 from Balochistan will be covered. Only boats measuring 12 meters (39 feet) or longer will be equipped, as smaller vessels lack the capacity for long-distance sea travel.
Cost and Manufacturing
The cost per unit is estimated between Rs100,000 and Rs150,000, which will be borne by the government. The VMS device is being manufactured locally, supporting domestic industry.
Objectives and Benefits
Officials stated that the move will allow real-time tracking of hundreds of boats operating simultaneously at sea. It will help identify suspicious vessels, reach accident sites faster, prevent the use of harmful nets and illegal fishing, and monitor the smuggling of liquor, drugs, and human trafficking.
Expert Insights
Maritime experts explained that VMS is a satellite and communication system used worldwide to monitor vessels. It tracks a boat's speed, direction, and movement in real time, similar to an online tracking system, and also supports enforcement of fisheries laws.
Safety Features
Sources added that the system will also act as a safety shield for fishermen. In an emergency, pressing a single button will enable rescue agencies to locate a boat in distress. It will further help detect boats operating without personal safety gear or firefighting equipment, and crack down on the nighttime distribution of banned nets from illegal jetties.
Legal Compliance
Under the law, vessels over 15 meters cannot go into deep sea without the system. The long-pending project was previously stalled due to reservations from fishermen's organizations, but now appears to be moving forward.
