Small seafaring vessels will from now on need to have a transponder on board as part of efforts to enhance safety in the kingdom’s waters, according to a ministerial edict published in the Official Gazette.
Vessels with a gross tonnage of 150 tonnes or fewer will require identification devices, no matter what purpose they may serve, with only jet skis being exempt.
A transponder is a device that, upon receiving a signal, emits a different signal in response. It is commonly used in locating ships in distress.
The decision was made based on a recommendation by the Bahrain Ports and Maritime Affairs Navigation Directorate.
The wireless device will need to be approved and licensed by the Coastguard. It will be used by the owners of the vessel to send data including identity, location, direction and speed to the maritime operations centre at the Interior Ministry.
“Device specifications and operating range will be defined by the Coastguard in two categories: Category One and Category Two,” the Official Gazette stated.
“Category One devices will have limited features approved by the Coastguard and will operate within a limited range from the kingdom’s coast. Category Two devices will have full features approved by the Coastguard, and will have a wider range of usability.
“Except for jet skis, no vessel in the kingdom’s water shall operate without a transponder of either category on board.
“The device must be installed and operated on the vessel according to technical standards and within the approved operating range as a safety requirement.”
The pricing for each category was not disclosed, but it was stated that vessel owners may choose between either category of devices.
Seafarers will not be allowed to transfer the transponder from one vessel to another without prior approval from the authorities in co-ordination with the Coastguard.
The Bahrain Ports and Maritime Affairs shall implement the provisions of this resolution, which shall come into effect the day following its publication in the Official Gazette in an edict signed by Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
&uuid=(email))