Satellite technology improves Naval Service’s ability to track boats

SATELLITE technology set to be introduced this year will provide the Navy’s eight ships with onboard computer systems enabling them to pinpoint the exact position of all fishing vessels over 18 metres in length.

Legislation which came into effect last Thursday means all vessels longer than 18 metres will be required to have satellite positioning equipment.

Previously, only boats over 24 metres had to have the equipment and monitoring of their position was done at the naval base in Haulbowline which faxed Navy ships with the relevant information. But from now on ships on fishery patrol duty will be able to monitor positions of trawlers themselves.