Description
Komoline has developed INSAT based Distress
Alert Transmitter (DAT) with technical know-how from
Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad. The requirement
for a satellite based Alert Transmitter was given by the
Indian Coast Guards, for use in fishing boats going deep into
sea. In case of emergency, the fishing boat transmits a
short message containing its position and type of emergency to
a central location through satellite for rescue
operation.
INSAT based Distress Alert Transmitter is used to
transmit emergency conditions and position location to a
central HUB station via UHF transponder of INSAT for rescue
operation. It can be easily installed in boats or other
vehicles. In case of emergency, user just needs to switch on
the DAT unit. User is required to select a message (e.g. fire
in boat / boat sinking / medical help / other emergency) by
pressing the
corresponding switch provided on the system. The
DAT combines the message with position of the boat
obtained through GPS, and transmits the same to a central
HUB station. The DAT repeats the message every minute for
first five minutes and then every five minutes till it is
switched off
manually or until the battery life gets over.
The DAT has a battery life of *4 to *8 hours after activation.
It is fitted to the fishing boat and on activation, gives the
boat's co-ordinates with the global positioning system (GPS)
to the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre,
at Mumbai. All distress alerts will be picked up by INSAT
3A satellite and relayed to the reception center at the
Maritime
Rescue Co-ordination Centre. Situations like
medical emergency, fire on board, sinking or capture of boats
can be reported to authorities on shore for immediate action.
The transmitter operates through a DRT transponder and
can send continuous alerts for *4 hours once every five
minutes on an average, while staff at the rescue centers track
the boat as it appears on a GIS map on their computer
screens.
Each transmitter, with an omni-directional antenna, has
a lithium battery life of *4 to *8 hours after activation and
will give the identification number and GPS position of the
boat to the Coast Guard.
The transmitter is meant for emergency
message communication for fishermen / Sailing Vessels going
deep into sea.
