Ro-Ro ferries fitted with Automatic Identification System

The Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) has fitted both the Vypeen-Fort Kochi Ro-Ro ferries with Automatic Identification System (AIS) for enhanced safety, the agency and the Cochin Port Authority (CPA) informed the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC).

This was in compliance with a direction issued by the Commission chairperson Alexander Thomas. The AIS system enables the ferry master to monitor the movement of nearby vessels and crafts, thereby enhancing navigational safety.

The move comes in the wake of a recent incident in which a Ro-Ro ferry collided with a barge at the Kochi harbour mouth. Following the accident, the Commission had directed the CPA to convene a meeting of stakeholders to ensure the safe passage of vessels within port limits. The case was registered suo motu based on newspaper reports.

In addition to AIS, installation of VHF communication sets on the ferries has also been recommended to enable the master to communicate in case of emergencies.

The fisheries department has also been instructed to take measures to ensure the safety of fishing vessels. The CPA’s report emphasised that all vessels must strictly adhere to the speed limit of seven knots within port limits. The report also prioritised the safety of vessels.