MUSCAT : This new regulation applies to all commercial ships and traditional wooden dhows, regardless of their origin or destination.

“All commercial and wooden (dhows) vessels, whether present or arriving and departing to/from Omani ports, are required to keep Automatic Identification System (AIS) in continuous operation while the vessel is in or passing through the Omani territorial waters,” states the Maritime Circular.

The decision is aimed at enhancing maritime safety by ensuring continuous and reliable vessel tracking, reducing the risk of collisions and improving the overall monitoring of ship movements within Oman’s territorial waters.

AIS is an advanced broadcast system used on vessels to provide real-time information regarding their identification, position, course, and speed. Operating in the VHF maritime mobile band, AIS allows vessels to exchange critical data with other ships and shore stations, facilitating safer navigation. It helps to prevent maritime accidents by ensuring that vessels can detect each other in real-time, significantly improving situational awareness, especially in busy or congested areas.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations stipulate the mandatory installation of AIS on all vessels of 300 gross tonnage and above engaged on international voyages and all passenger ships irrespective of size to carry AIS onboard.

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