System to monitor marine accidents starts working

 A Special system to monitor and record marine accidents has officially started working in Zanzibar after installation of a device for tracking and monitoring vessels known as Automatic Identification System (AIS).

The Zanzibar Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Communication, Issa Haji inspected the system over the weekend.

He said the system can monitor the movement of modern vessels but they will be required to be fixed with a special device so as to be linked to the AIS.

Director of Port Services Department Captain Makame Hassan, told the Minister that the system will help them know and identify the area and distance where the accident has occurred

However, he said the same tool will facilitate the identification of acts of piracy.

Capt. Makame said currently, Azam Marine Company LTD is to benefit from the system because the agency has facilities with ability to connect directly to the communications system.

Captain Makame, said access to the system will simplify rescue operations.

He said before the introduction of the technology they were using radio service thus posing difficulties in communication.

“This body of detailed tracking of ships is of great importance in facilitating rescue operations and respond to acts of piracy,” he said.

The tool installed which worth millions of dollars has been given by the government of France under the control of security in the western zone of the Indian Ocean and managed by the Federation of Sea Transportation Fund (IMO).

“Communications of the AIS system help to provide information over the actual ship movement at sea,” said Gavu.

The system will play a great role in Zanzibar to rescue ship accidents and loss of life. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN