Paradip: The marine wing of state police has clamped a set of "must-abide" rules on sea-worthy vessels and trawlers to combat possible security breach and infiltration.

The rules have been framed for the fishing vessels' crew. However, it has often been noticed that they pay scant regard to obey the step such as carrying identity proof.

The marine wing of state police would sternly deal with infringement of part of the crew of fishing vessels, said a marine police official.

The maritime security exercise is being conducted in a co-ordinated manner.

The marine police, coast guard, Paradip Port Trust, Central Industrial Security Force, forest department and the marine and inland fisheries are acting in cohesion to ensure the sea-route safety along the coast.

"The sea-going fishermen form a vital component of coastal security. So, the community is being sensitised at regular intervals both by the coast guard and the state marine police," he said.

The coastal districts of Kendrapara, Jagatsighpur, Bhadrak and Balasore have registered cases of sea-route infiltration in the past.

Therefore, it has been made mandatory for seafaring vessels to be armed with licence, adherence to colour code and permit for sea voyage for easy detection of foreign vessels.

The crew of the vessels have to carry the fishermen's identity cards issued to them by state marine fisheries department.

"Any violation would invite stringent penal action under the existing law. The offenders would be put under arrest, while their vessels would be confiscated," said Paradip additional superintendent of police Bishnu Charan Mishra.

"As fishing vessels have often been made the conduit for subversive activity elsewhere, emphasis is on to intensify vigil on marine fishermen and the sea-worthy vessels," he said.