- CBS sets in case of emergencies
- Fishermen key to maritime security
- Lack of VHF set use
Maldivian fishermen have often acted as the second watchdogs of Maldivian seas, often times providing help to stranded seamen and chasing out boats that have entered Maldivian waters illegally.
This fact is acknowledged by the official agency in charge of looking after such matters, the Maldivian Coast Guard, with leading officials of the Coast Guard noting that keeping the Maldivian seas would difficult without the help of fishermen.
Maldivian fishermen have entered international limelight recently as well, after the crucial role they played in rescuing stranded Sri Lankan sailors.
"When we say 'us' we are not referring only to the Maldivian military, we are referring to the efforts of Maldivian fishermen in projecting Maldives to the international community," Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim, the Commander of the Maldivian Coast Guard said in reference to the rescue of the Sri Lankan fishermen.
The Coast Guard and fishermen often work hand in hand, with constant communication between the two.
"I think the fishermen may not be taking advantage of the marine VHF. We could connect with the fishermen from 30 miles away. But, fishermen seem to only switch on the VHF when we approach them." a Coast Guard official said pointing out the ways in which the teamwork of fishermen and Coast Guard can further improve.
He said that many boats within the radius of the last Coast Guard operation had to be approached as the VHF sets were turned off.
Fishermen tend to overlook the VHF sets due to having access to satellite phones and CBS sets on board the boats. However, CBS sets tend to be less useful in cases of emergencies, with the marine VHF being the fastest option to reach nearby boats, the Coast Guard advised fishermen to keep the marine VHF sets on at all times.
