All marine vessels directed to install self-identification device

• Licenses for the self-identification device will be issued within two business days after payment. Beachgoers must register and obtain a permit from the General Authority for Communications.

• Users must keep the device on while sailing or face a 500 dinar fine, per the Coast Guard’s directive.

• The decision covers approximately 3,000 marine vessels, providing precise location information to prevent piracy, detect smuggling, and ensure compliance with territorial waters.

The Ministry of Interior has mandated that all marine vessels, regardless of their type or whether they are stationary or in motion, must install an Automatic Identification System (AIS), the Al Rai newsapaper reported.

This device identifies ships by their call sign, location, and speed, ensuring easy and safe sailing. It can be purchased from entities approved by the General Authority for Communications.

The ministry explained in a statement that beachgoers must install the device by registering and obtaining a permit from the General Authority for Communications through its official website, following these steps:

1. The user must create an account on the website of the General Authority for Communications and Information Technology and submit all required documents.
2. After approval by the authority, the user will receive a transaction number via phone to track the procedures on the website.
3. After completing the procedures and receiving final approval, the user must pay the fees on the website of the General Authority for Communications (Al Hamra Tower).
4. The license to purchase the self-identification device will be issued within two business days after payment, on the General Authority for Communications’ website (Liberation Tower).

The General Directorate of Coast Guard has instructed users to keep the device turned on while sailing. If the device is turned off for any reason, the user will be subject to a fine of 500 dinars.

For its part, security sources told Al-Rai newspaper that this device is used in all Gulf Cooperation Council countries and aims primarily to maintain the security and safety of sea-goers.

They noted that it has been mandatory for fishing vessels since last year, and now it has become mandatory for marine vessels such as pleasure boats and yachts, but not for jet skis because they do not travel long distances.

The sources added that the number of marine vessels covered by the decision is estimated at about 3,000. This device provides information about the exact location of any marine vessel, whether it is subjected to piracy, used in smuggling or infiltration operations, or exceeds territorial waters, which allows the Coast Guard to monitor and intervene when needed.

They pointed out that the value of the device is about 600 dinars, with an annual subscription cost of 50 dinars, or 100 dinars for three years. They noted that the new procedure is part of the radar system’s second phase.