Manama: Fishermen’s societies last night welcomed the introduction of a new high-tech system as part of Bahrain’s maritime security fence project.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) will boost the Coastguard’s response capabilities in case of emergencies at sea and bolster its efforts to exercise greater and effective command and control over Bahrain’s territorial waters and coastlines and protect them from infiltration and smuggling operations.
Earlier yesterday, Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa signed a deal with UK-based SRT Marine Technology Limited chief executive Simon Tucker to operate the AIS.
The minister said efforts will continue to upgrade and modernise the Coastguard, and other security agencies, by providing them with the latest high-tech equipment to ensure maritime security and enforce the law.
Coastguard Commander Commodore Ala’a Siyadi met representatives from fishermen’s societies and briefed them on the new system. The device will be installed in 7,500 vessels registered with the Coastguard, he said.
The devices will be installed in Bandar Aldar, Muharraq and Budaiya jetty.
Cmdr Siyadi thanked Shaikh Rashid for signing the agreement.
Moreover, he met representatives of the fishermen’s protection societies and reviewed with them the importance of the maritime security fence project.
Professional Fishermen’s Society president Jassim Al Jeran welcomed the move, explaining that the system will be a boon to fishermen in case of emergencies or weather adversities.
Society secretary Abdul Ameer Al Maghni said the system will reduce violations, ease the work of fishermen as well as secure their lives.
Meanwhile, Bahrain Fishermen Society president Hassan Ahmed Ali said the device will be especially beneficial for fishermen who work in deep waters and expressed hope for similar projects to follow.
Sitra Fishermen’s Society president Mohammed Mansoor praised the key role played by the Coast Guard in tackling fishermen’s problems and urged constant contact with them for the sake of Bahrain’s security.
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