Numberplates For Boats?

As a pilot measure to enhance coastal security surveillance, coastal police stations here have issued number plates to fishing boats. The move comes in the wake of a recent incident in which an unidentified Nagapattinam-registered fishing boat was alleged to have transported Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to Australia.

Of the 156 fishing boats registered with the Department of Fisheries, 150 have been given number plates in fluorescent colours that would reflect in light. Further, 18 staff have been inducted for round-the-clock surveillance on shift basis.

Speaking to The Hindu, B. Srikanth, Senior Superintendent of Police, pointed out the difficulty in identification of boats even with numbers. “In sea, visibility is poor at night. The reflector number plates would help in easy identification of boats, and will be of help to the Coast Guard and Navy as well. It can also help curb other forms of criminal activities.”