Onerous task:Repair works on FRP boats progress at Thazhanguda in Cuddalore.
CUDDALORE:
The fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats fitted with outboard engines are mostly used for ferrying the fish catch from the trawlers to the fish landing ports. Since these boats would have to be berthed close to the big vessels in the mid-sea, they always get the beating. Hence, the hulls and rims of the boats are vulnerable to constant friction, and, wear and tear.
But in a busy season the fishermen are left with little time to attend to the repair works. Therefore, they chose to set right the boats during fishing holidays, spread over 45 days. Restoring the damaged FRP boats is the job of skilled technicians. But not many such technical hands are around in Cuddalore and they have to be scouted for either at Marakkanam or at Nagapattinam. According to E. Lenin (49), a technician from Marakkanam, the FRP boats need careful handling. The dented and broken spots ought to be covered with shiny mats woven with glass filaments.
Hazardous to health
Inhaling the gossamer filament is hazardous to health. Moreover, the filaments have razor sharp edges that would leave nicks in the hands, if carelessly handled. Depending upon the requirements, the mats are placed in layers with help of a binding agent or resin. A catalyst and accelerator should also be used for easy fixing of the glass fibre mats. Here too, caution is required as the mixture of the catalyst and the accelerator will explore if the proportion is not right.
Mr Lenin said that the technicians learn the techniques the hard way, either from their peers or through trial-and-error method. After the mats are spread evenly at the required spots, the resin mixture is be applied with a paint brush. Soon, the mats indistinguishably merge with the surface of the boats which are then allowed to dry in sunlight for some time. Afterwards the surface is smoothened with electrically operated grinder discs.
While taking up this job, the technicians have to wear goggles and cover the nose and mouth with a cloth to guard against inhaling the fine dust and splinters. Mr Lenin said that though a single layer of glass fibre mat might give a silken appearance, when layered, it acquires great strength to withstand the load and pressure. After giving a coat of fluorescent paint the FRPs would be made seaworthy again. The repair cost depends upon the extent of damage. The technicians bargained their pay package as the work might take two days to one week to complete.
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