The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, has reiterated that the safety and security of marine fishermen remain a top priority. Under various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Centre is providing extensive financial assistance to States and Union Territories to equip fishing communities with modern safety infrastructure.
Under PMMSY, the Government is supporting coastal States and UTs in supplying safety kits for traditional and motorized fishing vessels. These kits include GPS devices, life jackets, lifebuoys, radar reflectors, first-aid boxes, search-and-rescue beacons, flares, backup batteries and other essential lifesaving equipment. Communication and tracking devices, as well as Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) equipment, are also supported.
Over the last five years (2020–21 to 2024–25), the Department has approved proposals worth ₹50.05 crore for the provision of 14,300 communication devices to marine fishermen across coastal regions.
PMMSY also offers insurance coverage for fishermen in cases of death, disability or medical emergencies, along with premium subvention for fishing vessel insurance. The coverage includes:
₹5 lakh for death or permanent total disability,
₹2.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and
₹25,000 for hospitalization expenses.
Insurance premium support for fishing vessels covers hull and machinery damage, nets and accessories, collision liability, total or partial loss, and natural calamities. Between 2021–22 and 2024–25, an average of 32.82 lakh fishermen have been insured annually, amounting to 131.30 lakh beneficiaries over four years.
To further enhance maritime safety, the Department has initiated the installation of geo-fencing transponders on one lakh fishing vessels, under the National Vessel Communication and Support System (NRVCSS) project. With a total outlay of ₹364 crore, the project aims to strengthen communication, improve real-time tracking, and enable timely rescue in emergencies within India’s maritime boundaries. Implementation across coastal States and UTs is currently underway.
