Boost for Indian maritime safety and security

Mar 2010 | No Comment

VXL Technologies Ltd has launched the DAT or Distress Alert Transmitter, a GPS based search
and rescue beacon, which promises to strengthen Indias 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 countrys 7600-km long coastline bordering 13 states
and union territories. VXL Technologies is currently the countrys 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.