Context: Recently, the Nabhmitra application helped fishermen in the sea during cyclone Dana using the Vessel Communication and Support System. 

• Nabhmitra allows real-time tracking of vessel positions, course and speeds, helping fishermen return safely to shore during adverse weather conditions like cyclones. 

About Nabhmitra

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying featuring indigenous transponder technology. 

• It enables two-way communication which was not possible before induction of this technology beyond mobile coverage range. 

• It was developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is  being implemented through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), commercial arm of ISRO. 

• The satellite-based communication system enables two-way messaging services from and to the sea. While weather and cyclone warnings will be communicated in the local language, the boats can also send distress messages to the authorities. 

• In emergency situations like capsizing and fire, fishers can press a button on the device and get in touch with the control centre. 

• While the control centre will receive the alert including the location of the boat, the crew on the boat will get a response message from the control centre.

• Traditionally, authorities relied on Very High Frequency Radio Waves  and phone calls to contact vessels but locating fishing boats in distant waters was difficult due to absence of mobile networks.