UPSC Mapping

• Prelims: PMMSY, Fisheries, ISRO, Government Schemes
• Mains: GS Paper II – Government Policies; GS Paper III – Agriculture and Fisheries

Article

Vessel Communication System is in the news after the Union Department of Fisheries approved its nationwide rollout under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an estimated outlay of ₹364 crore. Aspirants should regularly revise important government initiatives through the daily current affairs archive because such schemes are frequently asked in UPSC. The initiative aims to improve communication, safety and surveillance of marine fishing vessels across India.

Scheme	PMMSY
Developer	ISRO
Estimated Cost	₹364 Crore
Coverage	Around 1 Lakh Vessels

What is Vessel Communication System?

Vessel Communication System (VCSS) is a satellite-based communication and monitoring system developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to strengthen the monitoring, control and surveillance of marine fishing vessels. It has been approved for nationwide implementation under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The scheme will provide indigenously developed transponders free of cost to eligible fishermen, covering around one lakh marine fishing vessels across the country.

Why is Vessel Communication System in News?

The Union Department of Fisheries has approved the national rollout of the Vessel Communication System under PMMSY with an estimated cost of ₹364 crore. The initiative aims to improve communication, maritime safety and surveillance for India’s marine fishing community.

More information on fisheries schemes is available through the Department of Fisheries.

Key Features

• Developed by ISRO: The system strengthens monitoring, control and surveillance of marine fishing vessels.
• Free transponders: Around one lakh eligible marine fishing vessels will receive indigenously developed transponders without cost.
• Cost-sharing pattern: The scheme follows a 60:40 Centre-State funding pattern, while Union Territories receive 100% Central assistance.
• Nabhmitra application: Developed by ISRO, it provides periodic position reporting, two-way messaging, SOS alerts, geo-fencing-based boundary crossing warnings and weather and cyclone advisories.
• Fish Landing Centres: Communication infrastructure will be developed at 423 Fish Landing Centres out of 1,547 notified centres. Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of notified Fish Landing Centres at 350.

Challenges

• Infrastructure development: Communication facilities need to be established at identified Fish Landing Centres.
• Technology adoption: Fishermen require awareness and training for effective use of transponders and the Nabhmitra application.
• Inter-governmental coordination: Smooth implementation depends on Centre-State cooperation under the cost-sharing framework.
• Operational maintenance: Continuous functioning of communication devices is essential for safety.
• UPSC relevance: Aspirants should revise fisheries schemes through the Agriculture current affairs section.

Way Forward

The nationwide rollout of the Vessel Communication System can strengthen marine safety, improve emergency response and support sustainable fisheries management through technology-driven monitoring. Better communication infrastructure will also enhance the welfare of the fishing community.

For UPSC, candidates should remember that VCSS is developed by ISRO, implemented under PMMSY, supported by the Nabhmitra application and designed to improve communication, surveillance and safety of marine fishing vessels. More information is available through the National Fisheries Development Board.

Prelims Practice Corner

Q1. Vessel Communication System (VCSS) has been developed by:

(a) DRDO (b) ISRO (c) BEL (d) INCOIS

Answer: (b) VCSS has been developed by ISRO.

Q2. Vessel Communication System is being implemented under:

(a) PM-KUSUM (b) PMMSY (c) PMFBY (d) Blue Revolution Mission

Answer: (b) It is being rolled out under PMMSY.

Q3. The Nabhmitra application provides:

(a) Soil health information (b) Weather, SOS alerts and vessel communication (c) Crop insurance claims (d) Fisheries export certification

Answer: (b).

Q4. Under the scheme, eligible fishermen will receive:

(a) GPS phones (b) Indigenously developed transponders (c) Fishing nets (d) Satellite phones only

Answer: (b).

Q5. Which state has the highest number of notified Fish Landing Centres according to the source?

(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Gujarat (c) Kerala (d) Andhra Pradesh

Answer: (d) Andhra Pradesh has 350 notified Fish Landing Centres.

Mains Practice Questions

Q1. Discuss the significance of technology-driven initiatives such as the Vessel Communication System in strengthening India’s marine fisheries sector. (10 Marks)

Answer Structure:

• Intro: Introduce VCSS under PMMSY.
• Body: Explain communication, safety, surveillance, disaster response and fisheries management benefits.
• Conclusion: Highlight the role of technology in sustainable fisheries.

Q2. Examine the objectives and key features of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. (15 Marks)

Answer Structure:

• Intro: Introduce PMMSY.
• Body: Vision, components, implementation, fisheries development and technological interventions.
• Conclusion: Emphasise inclusive and sustainable fisheries growth.

FAQs on Vessel Communication System

What is the Vessel Communication System?

VCSS is an ISRO-developed communication and monitoring system for marine fishing vessels implemented under PMMSY.

What is the Nabhmitra application?

Nabhmitra is an ISRO-developed application that provides real-time vessel communication, weather advisories, SOS alerts, geo-fencing warnings and two-way messaging for fishermen.

What is the objective of VCSS?

The system aims to improve monitoring, control, surveillance, communication and safety of marine fishing vessels while enabling quicker search and rescue operations and preventing inadvertent border crossings.