‘Kammath’ is a term used to describe the water that accidentally enters inside the sea vessels. It was common in the olden days for ‘kammath’ to enter through small holes in the odams or dhows. The Dhows were made by sewing together pieces of wood with the fiber thread of coconut husk and nylon. The odam makers usually leave a hole in the lower part of the odam for the water to drain while on the shore. This hole is covered using a cover made of the spathe of the coconut tree designed in a unique shape called ‘kuduthi,’ so the water does not enter while at sea. It was customary for many people to cast the nets together and appoint one person exclusively to look after the ‘kammat’ during fishing trips. ‘Kammat’ is a serious issue that must be addressed, as it can cause significant damage to odams if not taken care of immediately. Hence, there is a need to be vigilant about it.
Today, these small vessels are made of wood and covered by a fiber layer, leaving fewer chances for having ‘kammath’ to enter. Recently, mechanized motor systems have come into existence to remove the ‘kammath automatically.’ Additionally, these vessels have an air deck (a box filled with air) in the bow,stern and in the lower part to prevent them from sinking. Nonetheless, the water that enters the odam continues to be called ‘kammat’ in the island language. Interestingly, the water that enters a dhow was called ‘kammath’ even if the seawater entered all the significant portions and when the upper part was the only portion left to sink. Only after the dhow drowns completely underwater, it is referred to as wrecked/drowned. Perhaps this exhibits the optimism towards survival in the sea that the islanders have imbibed in their lives. Similar to discussing the mileage of used vehicles during a sale, the occurrences and times of ‘kammath’ became a matter of serious consideration while considering selling and buying an odam!
Inside a sewn boat
A new boat made of fibre