Tracking devices for small vessels

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

All small vessels under 150 gross tons must now carry tracking equipment approved by the Coast Guard, following new instructions published in the Official Gazette. The change, ordered by Transportation and Telecommunications Minister, His Excellency Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, updates a 2021 ruling which laid down the conditions for registering small vessels, securing navigation permits and obtaining driving licences for captains. The new rule redefines the vessel identification device as a radio transmitter and receiver, licensed for import and sale to owners through authorised companies.

Machine

The machine must be fitted to all applicable vessels, except for jet skis, and send details such as name, location, path and speed to the Ministry of Interior’s marine operations centre. Two types of equipment are now recognised. The first is basic and limits the boat to coastal and inshore waters, as shown on a map attached to the decision. The second, more capable version allows the boat to sail further out into Bahraini waters, again within boundaries marked on the accompanying chart.

Revised rules

The revised rules bar vessels from heading out without one of these devices installed and working. Setting it up, keeping it running and sticking to the permitted sailing area are now required for any vessel licence. Owners may choose which type of device to use, but once picked, they must stay within the boundaries it allows. Transferring a device to another vessel is not allowed unless the Coast Guard agrees to it. The term navigation range has also been formally defined.

Distance

It refers to the distance a vessel can travel at sea based on the type of device it carries. One range is restricted to coastal and territorial waters. The other covers a wider stretch of sea around the country.