Rishikonda marine police along with the Fisheries Department officials held an awareness meeting for fishing boat owners at the Fisheries Development Officer’s office in Kothuru village, Bheemunipatnam mandal, on Friday.

Circle Inspector M. Apparao, Sub-Inspectors G. Murali Krishna and P. Manoj Kumar, and Fisheries Development Officer R. Eshwar Raj attended the meeting. Boat owners from fishing villages between Chapala Thimmapuram and Nagamayyapalem participated.

Officials stressed that every fishing boat should carry life jackets, lifebuoys and other lifesaving equipment. They advised fishermen to monitor weather warnings, avoid sailing in adverse conditions and report emergencies promptly.

Boat owners were also urged to install transponders when supplied by the government to improve vessel monitoring and coastal security.