Regulating the Use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) Onboard Small Ships

Within the framework of enhancing maritime safety and develop safe navigation for small ships, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications issued Ministerial Decree No. 8 for 2025 (Arabic only) which serves as an Amendments to Ministerial Decree No. 2 for 2021 regarding registration, determination of safety conditions, and issuance of navigation licenses for small ships that addresses Regulating the Use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) and enforces all small ships to install (AIS) except Jet Skis.

What is Automatic Identification System (AIS)?
It is a wireless transceiver device used to locate ships and facilitate real-time tracking, enhancing safety and control of navigation in territorial waters.

Safety Requirements:
With the exception of Jet Skis, no registered small ship is permitted to sail without an installed, activated and switched on AIS device.

As a basic safety requirement, it is mandatory to adhere to the designated cruising range of each AIS device.

How to obtain AIS device: 
1.    Apply for registration at the Small Vessels Registration Office at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. If vessel already registered move to second step.
2.    Visit one of the authorized AIS device providers to install and program the device.
3.    Head to any of the Coast Guard's device service centers to enter the device data into the system and complete the remaining procedures.

AIS Device Transfer:
The device may not be transferred to another ship without obtaining the approval of the relevant directorate at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, in coordination with Coast Guards at the Ministry of Interior

AIS Device Categories:
1.    Category One: Includes AIS devices with limited specifications approved prior by Coast Guards at Ministry of Interior, which is within the first cruising range (available from any private sector provider).
1.    2.Category Two: Includes AIS devices with comprehensive specifications approved prior by Coast Guards at Ministry of Interior, which is within the second cruising range (available from H Al Dhaen Boats W.L.L)

For cruising range details, please refer to the below map.  

Contact us:
For more information, you can contact the relevant directorate at Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications by phone or WhatsApp on +973 17337979 or by email at: small-ships@mtt.gov.bh.