Paradip, Aug. 27: Sea-going trawlers and vessels were subjected to mid-sea interception and verification as the coast guard today launched a security exercise to keep tabs on infiltration and other subversive activities.

The coastal security exercise named "Operation Sajag" got under way with the participation of Odisha marine police besides other stakeholders. "It's a one-day exercise. It's aim is to invigorate the coastal security mechanism by sensitising sea-going fishermen and crew of fishing vessels," said coast guard commandant Ashis.

The exercise intends to bring to an end unlawful fishing operations. Once the illegal movement of crafts and vessels is stopped, interception of rogue vessels would become easier. Thereby national security can be better safeguarded, he said.

"We are on the job to see whether vessels are making their way to the sea while adhering to the legal provisions as specified by law. The vessels must be registered and are to be armed with permits for sea voyage. The crew should carry the marine fisheries identity cards. The biometric cards empower them with identity, which would protect them from interception during security patrolling. Besides, the vessels should have safety gadgets, life-saving gadgets and walkie-talkie sets. During the course of verification, we found that some of the vessels sailing were infringing the mandatory provisions. However, we let them off after warning them not to repeat it in future," said Ashis.

"The fishermen are often referred to as 'eyes and ears' of the coastal security mechanism. It's the fishermen and the crew on board, who could easily keep track of suspiciously moving vessels. While intercepting vessels for verification, the crew on board were sensitised for sharing of intelligence on any suspected malicious activities witnessed in the sea," said Paradip marine police station inspector Anirudh Routray.

The majority of sea-going vessels in the coastal pockets are registered ones though there are stray cases of unregistered boats ferrying across the sea. Paradip coast accounts for 556 registered sea-worthy trawlers and 200 motorised sea-worthy boats. For hassle-free availability of licence and permit, the marine fisheries department has introduced online registration facility for boat and vessel owners, said Paradip marine fisheries officer Bharat Bhusan Sahu.