A top official has urged seafarers to take their safety very seriously while at sea and avoid setting out alone in the event of emergencies.
Coastguard operations officer First Lieutenant Yusuf Al Faihani highlighted the importance of checking weather conditions and ensuring that the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is always turned on.
This comes days after search and recovery teams located the body of 41-year-old Isa Mohammed off the Nurana coast following a joint operation by the Coastguard and Police Aviation.
“Seafarers, including fishermen and divers, should follow the instructions of the authorities before heading out to sea,” Lt Al Faihani said on the Good Morning Bahrain radio show.
“Always wear your life vest, and ensure that all necessary safety equipment and first-aid supplies are on board.
“Avoid going out to sea if weather conditions are unfavourable, especially if the wind is too strong.”
Every boat in Bahrain requires basic safety gear such as life jackets, a fire extinguisher, visual distress flares and a waterproof first-aid kit.
One approved personal flotation device (PFD) must be on board for each person and a charged and inspected fire extinguisher is mandatory.
A working marine VHF radio is vital for contacting the Coastguard in an emergency and a bucket or mechanical pump is needed to clear water from the hull.
The first-aid kit must contain waterproof bandages, sterile gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, sharp trauma shears, tweezers, disposable non-latex gloves, motion-sickness pills, pain relievers, burn cream and antihistamines.
Lt Al Faihani also urged divers to take every necessary precaution to ensure that they return from their trip safe and sound.
“Only go diving with reliable instructors and reputable operators,” he said. “Ensure you are fit physically and in good health. Check your diving equipment and regularly maintain it. Most importantly, do not go diving alone and always check the weather conditions and water currents ahead of time.”
Lt Al Faihani noted some common mistakes that seafarers, especially first-timers, make during their excursion out to sea.
The biggest mistake, he revealed, was not turning on the AIS, which could be the difference between life and death in emergency situations.
It is a safety technology that uses radio waves to continuously broadcast a vessel’s real-time location, speed, course and identity to nearby ships and shore stations.
“The AIS plays a big role in enhancing safety, as it allows authorities to locate you in case something goes wrong.
“Additionally, there are some people who don’t know or purposefully ignore the country’s maritime borders.
“Adhering to laws and regulations allows us to get to the scene quickly in case of an emergency.”
“In case of an emergency, the Coastguard can be contacted immediately on 994,” he said. “Use the AIS as it helps us determine your location more quickly. Give the personnel accurate information, and in case someone goes overboard, have someone keep an eye on them. Follow the given instructions and wait until the officers arrive.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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