A new marine law making it mandatory for boat drivers to acquire a licence is being studied,  a senior official has said.

Those who want to get the licence will have to attend a training course on navigation and related issues at the Coasts and Borders Security Department (CBSD) of the Ministry of Interior to gain  necessary skills for steering and handling a boat. The law will also specify technical details such as the engine type and capacity, colour, age and other safety features of the vessel for a potential registration process.

Registration of small vessels is not binding as per the current law. Also, small boat drivers are not required to hold any licence now.  

CBSD director Staff Brigadier Ali Ahmed al-Badeed told reporters that sea-goers should be very careful to abide by all safety requirements. For instance, every person in the boat must have a life jacket, children in particular should be watched all the time and the person handling the vessel should have the basic knowledge to deal with sea currents.

“When venturing out on a small boat, don’t go too far as the sea is not an easy thing to deal with. Also, make sure that your mobile phone is still receiving signals. In case of an emergency do not panic,  call 999, specifying your location and situation and rescue personnel would reach you as soon as possible,” said  al-Badeed.

He said boats should register with the police cabins located at different posts throughout the coastline of the country. “They should also indicate the time they are expected to return, so if they are too late,  patrols may be dispatched  in search of them. The number of passengers in a boat  should be compatible with the size of the vessel and  they should carry the necessary equipment.”

He said that those who did not follow these guidelines would not be given access to the sea.

The new law on such issues is expected to be issued within two years.  

Al-Badeed recalled an incident when a young man, who was caught up in bad weather, died because he had ignored instructions to stay in the boat and jumped into the sea.

“Very few people can swim to safety in bad weather,” he said.

The official warned swimmers not to go for a swim in the sea alone but  at least in a group of two. When swimming, they should also not go too far into the sea and be mindful of the speed of the current and the wind.

“Usually, we receive more calls for rescue at the weekends in the summer season. Mostly, the unskilled swimmers are expatriate labourers who try to swim along the beaches in the west of the country,” he pointed out .

The brigadier also cautioned against diving alone, which he described as “highly risky and are against international regulations”.

“Divers should go in groups with an instructor to guide them. The new law would require  divers to be qualified by attending some approved training courses.”

 

Firefighting boats to be launched

 Two firefighting boats, which are being locally manufactured at the Coasts and Borders Security Department (CBSD) shipyard, are expected to be launched by the end of this year. The new additions will boost the capabilities of CBSD in dealing with fires at sea, in particular in traditional dhows made of wood. The CBSD also plans to operate sea ambulances soon. Staff Brigadier Ali Ahmed al-Badeed, CBSD director, said the department maintained a 24-hour vigil on the national waters of Qatar and its coasts to ensure the country’s security and safety. Page 2

 

 

 

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