State-of-the-art research and training vessel for Fisheries University

As of now, only the Chennai -based NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology) and the Fisheries Department of Maharashtra have such vessels. “While NIOT has 4 vessels for research, the Maharashtra Fisheries Department has a trawler to teach fishermen the finer points of trawling,” officials stated. 

The vessel, which is expected to be 16 metres long, must be provided by the successful bidder within nine months, officials said. The state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for its purchase and tenders have already been floated, with April 27 being the last date for submission, officials added. TNFU VC Dr. S Felix, Dean, of the Ponneri-based Fisheries College and Research Institute said, “The vessel, once received, would be used to teach  fishermen, students and research scholars fishing methods through gill netting, long lines and traps. The vessel would be equipped with advanced navigation and sea- safety equipment including echo sounders, sextants linked to e-charts, compass and GPS. Students and fishermen would be trained in their use,” he added. 

Asked about the ten- man crew for the vessel, sources revealed that TNFU does not plan to rely on experienced trawler fishermen. Instead, it would seek trained cadets and deck hands from nearby private academies. “Initially, the crew would be chosen on a temporary basis from the private maritime universities in and around Chennai, till the state government decides to provide full time regular crew,” said  officials.