TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has introduced the Second-Generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT-SG), a technologically advanced system aimed at enhancing maritime safety for fishermen at sea.
EXPLANATION:
- This innovative development builds upon the success of the first version of the Distress Alert Transmitter, operational since 2010.
- It introduces advanced features for efficient emergency communication and real-time assistance.
Evolution from First to Second Generation DAT:
- The initial version of the Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) has been operational for over a decade.
- It serves as a vital tool for fishermen to send emergency messages through communication satellites.
- The central control station, Indian Mission Control Centre (INMCC), decodes these alert signals to identify the location and identity of fishing boats, facilitating coordinated search and rescue operations by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
- With over 20,000 DATs in use, the success of the first version laid the foundation for the evolution into the Second Generation DAT (DAT-SG).
Advanced Capabilities of DAT-SG:
- ISRO’s DAT-SG represents a significant leap in technological capabilities.
- One noteworthy feature is the ability to send acknowledgments back to fishermen who activate distress alerts, providing assurance of imminent rescue.
- The system leverages advancements in satellite communication and navigation, enabling two-way communication between control centers and fishermen at sea.
Real-time Alerts and Information Sharing:
- 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.
- Additionally, the system provides real-time information about potential fishing zones, optimizing catch yields while saving time and fuel.
User-Friendly Interface and Operational Infrastructure:
- DAT-SG is designed with user convenience in mind.
- It can be connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth, allowing fishermen to read messages in their native language using a dedicated app.
- This user-friendly interface enhances accessibility and ensures effective communication between the maritime community and control centers.
- The central control center, INMCC, manages the DAT-SG network through a web-based system called Sagarmitra.
- This system maintains a comprehensive database of registered DAT-SGs, facilitating real-time coordination and information access for Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) under the Indian Coast Guard.
- The operational status of DAT-SG services is declared on a 24×7 basis, ensuring continuous support for fishermen in distress.
Conclusion:
- ISRO’s Second Generation Distress Alert Transmitter marks a significant milestone in leveraging space technology for maritime safety.
- The integration of advanced features, two-way communication, and real-time information sharing positions DAT-SG as a crucial tool in ensuring the well-being of fishermen navigating India’s waters.
- This technological innovation aligns with ISRO’s commitment to utilizing space capabilities for societal benefits, exemplifying the agency’s role in advancing safety and efficiency in diverse sectors.