Paradip, Jan. 22: Paradip coast guard personnel embarked on a bike rally along the Odisha coast as part of its annual exercise to sensitise the fishermen community and seaside settlers on maritime security.

The drive was symbolic of the efforts made by the coast guard in creating awareness among the coastal residents towards adopting the prescribed safety regulations at sea.

"The objective of the rally was to educate the fishermen about the importance of coastal security. As fishermen are a vital component of the coastal security plan, sensitising them to face the possible subversive activities and sea-route threats is imperative," said commandant, Paradip coast guard, Ashis.

The rally aimed at making the fishermen "the eye and ears" of the maritime security agencies, he said.

Personnel of the coast guard, the marine wing of state police and people from the fishing community took part in the rally.

The bikers passed through the seaside fishing hamlets to spread the message that the fishing community was important to maritime coastal security.

Interactive talk sessions with local residents and fishermen communities were also held. The concept of inter-dependence among fishermen and law-enforcing agencies was also re-emphasised through the drive.

"The bikers reached out to the fishermen settlements to educate them on maritime security agencies and to strengthen the coastal security network," said a coast guard official.

"The coast guard officials told us about the significant role that the fishermen play to maintain coastal security. We were told about operation disaster alert transmitters. It is the duty of the crew of fishing vessels to report to the coast guard if they come across any suspicious activity at sea," said fisherman Raghunath Biswal.