Komoline has developed INSAT based Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) with technical know-how from Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad. The requirement for a satellite based Alert Transmitter was given by the Indian Coast Guards, for use in fishing boats going deep into sea. In case of emergency, the fishing boat transmits a short

message containing its position and type of emergency to a central location through satellite for rescue operation. 
INSAT based Distress Alert Transmitter is used to transmit emergency conditions and position location to a central HUB station via UHF transponder of INSAT for rescue operation. It can be easily installed in boats or other vehicles. In case of emergency, user just needs to switch on the DAT unit. User is required to select a message (e.g. fire in boat / boat sinking / medical help / other emergency) by pressing the

corresponding switch provided on the system. The DAT combines the message with position of the boat obtained through GPS, and transmits the same to a central HUB station. The DAT repeats the message every minute for first five minutes and then every five minutes till it is switched off manually or until the battery life gets over.

The DAT has a battery life of *4 to *8 hours after activation. It is fitted to the fishing boat and on activation, gives the boat's co-ordinates with the global positioning system (GPS) to the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, at Mumbai. All distress alerts will be picked up by INSAT 3A satellite and relayed to the reception center at the Maritime

Rescue Co-ordination Centre. Situations like medical emergency, fire on board, sinking or capture of boats can be reported to authorities on shore for immediate action. The transmitter operates through a DRT transponder and can send continuous alerts for *4 hours once every five minutes on an average, while staff at the rescue centers track the

boat as it appears on a GIS map on their computer screens.

Each transmitter, with an omni-directional antenna, has a lithium battery life of *4 to *8 hours after activation and will give the identification number and GPS position of the boat to the Coast Guard.

The transmitter is meant for emergency message communication for fishermen / Sailing Vessels going deep into sea.