PANAJI
The State government has finally decided to crack down on fishing boat owners who fail to comply with hygiene regulations including mandatory installation of toilets on fishing vessels under the Merchant Shipping Act of 2014.
An official communiqué issued by the new Director of Fisheries Yashaswini B to all the boat owners directs them to submit daily reports to the department regarding the labourers on board. The decision comes after two crucial meetings chaired by the Health Secretary at the Secretariat given the outbreak of waterborne and vector-borne disease at the Cutbona fishing jetty.
“In the wake of the recent resurgence of water borne disease and vector-borne disease among the crew working at the jetties, and the subsequent decisions are taken, the boat owners will have to immediately install 2 toilets on trawlers having 30 labourers while trawlers with 15 labourers should install l toilet, before venturing into the sea,” reads the order, circulated to all the fishing societies and association on Friday.
In a separate order to Fisheries Officers at each major jetty, the department has asked them to inspect vessels for toilet installations and collect a list of crew members on board before issuing fishing permits.
“No fishing passes are to be issued if toilets are not installed or if crew details are not submitted by the boat owner,” the order stated.
In addition to these measures, boat owners are required to provide safe drinking water to their labourers and ensure proper sanitation at the fishing jetties. Liquid soap must be made available at all water points.
“Boat owners are to provide a line list of labourers allowed in the sea that shall be shared with this Department on a daily basis.”
Boat owners are further instructed to report any cases of diarrhea, vomiting or fever among their crew immediately to the Fisheries and Health Departments stating delays in reporting these symptoms could lead to complications or even death.
The order warns that any fatalities due to delayed reporting will be considered criminal negligence on the part of the employer.
