Kerala is bordered by a range of mountains viz. the Western Ghats on the eastern side and the Arabian Sea on the western side. The coastal line of the Arabian Sea sprawling on the western part of the state is 590 kms in length. The population of fisher folk in Kerala is estimated at about 10.85 lakhs.
In order to facilitate optimum utilization of the available fisheries resources in the country and also to meet the objectives of Inland & Marine fisheries and aquaculture development programmes, Fisheries Information System Network (FISHNET) was developed.
NIC Kerala has developed FISHNET - an e-Governance portal-cum-web enabled work flow based application system for the department of fisheries, Government of Kerala using LAPP technology. The project components include knowledge based Portal with online site administration facility and ReALCraft Application (Registration And Licensing of Fishing Craft). This system is in place in all 9 marine districts of the state and around 20 thousand vessels are already got registered. - Recommendation of the ISDA-95 Conference gets realisation in the State of Kerala in 2009 and becomes a "Kerala Model" for replication in all the Maritime states of India”
The Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, has taken initiative for replicating the same as “Kerala Model” in all maritime states and UTs. / Islands in close association with National Agricultural Informatics Division headed by Sh. M. Moni, DDG. NIC Kerala State Centre is considered as the "Nodal Centre for National Rollout" of this "ReALCraft" Application Software.
Excerpt of the message from Director of Fisheries Sh. P.I. Sheik Pareeth, IAS, on FISHNET Project In order to regulate the fishing operations in the 590 km of Kerala Coast, Marine Regulation Act Kerala was enacted and is being implemented in the state. All fishing vessels operating along the Kerala coast have to be registered either with the Department of Fisheries or Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and subsequent hence from the state. Those fishing vessels coming from other neighboring states for fishing operations are given temporary permit for operations in the Kerala coast.
The registration / Licensing system is being utilized effectively in the state which is regarded as a pioneer and novel venture when compared to other maritime states of India and appreciated the services provided by NIC Kerala.
Advantages of the System
The major advantage of the system is its role in ensuring coastal security. The Application helps to check and track suspicious vessels in Indian waters, by providing instant information of specified vessel including its fishing permit details to marine enforcement team. It also reduces malpractices in the fishing sector.
Department Services through ReaLCraft application
— Vessel Registration: Vessel Registration & issuing Fishing Licence, Ownership Change, Duplicate Registration Certificate, Licence Renewal, Duplicate Licence Certificate, Permit for structural modification, Permit for changing Engine, Gear, Fuel Tank, Life Saving Equipments, Vessel insurance Details, Crew Information maintenance
— Temporary Fishing permit for other state vessels
— Fishing Licence for vessels registered with other valid Registration Agencies — Vessel Impound Details and flash news to officers on impounding details
Hon'ble Minister for Fisheries & Registration, Sh. S. Sharma distributing Registration Certificate
Salient features of the system
— User friendly interface with Bilingual support — Online technical support and Excellent Security system — Easy data verification — Computerised Registration / License / Vessel identification number — Automated fee calculation based on Type/Length/HP of the vessel — Role Based Dynamic Menu mapping — Strong vessel related database — District/Base of operation/Vessel owner level reports — Easy Search facility — Online facility for the site administrator
Modus Operandi
Workflow of ReALCraft application
¡ Application Submission: Applications for various services from the department are getting submitted at the fisheries station by vessel owners along with required fee. The details of the application will be entered into the system and will be stored in an electronic file. Physical application will be scanned and attached to electronic file for easy reference at higher level and then it will be forwarded to verification officer. Application reference number will be issued to the vessel owner for further enquiry. ¡ Physical Verification: Physical verification will be conducted by the verification officer and then the application will be forwarded to higher level for necessary approval with the remarks. Verification Officer can make changes in the data if required. ¡ District and Zonal level Approval: System will forward the applications for district level and also for zonal level approval as required. Provision is available for sending the application back to the lower level office electronically if required. After the approval of the application, certificates will be available for print. ¡ Certificate Printing and Issue: Registration Certificate, Fishing Licence or Permit will be available for printing and issue after the approval of the approving authority depending upon the service.
Major Benefits of the system
— Instant information on vessel structure, fuel capacity, life saving equipments and other crucial information to marine force using centralized database — Online checking facility for certificate validation for enforcement agencies — Smooth customer oriented work flow — No physical movement of the application required — Unique Barcode for individual certificates — Alert messages to officers on impounded vessels and other important news — Reducing malpractices e.g. use of duplicate engine registrations — Bilingual supported certificates