Abu Dhabi campaign focuses on maritime safety

Abu Dhabi: Fishermen, families, tourists and all those who venture out to sea must make wearing life jackets a priority as it is an often underestimated yet vital piece of safety equipment, said experts attending the opening session of the Bihar 2013 campaign for maritime safety.

The awareness campaign was launched by the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA), which is part of the Abu Dhabi Armed Forces and aims to protect the UAE’s coastline and its 200 islands, in addition to preserving marine life, while maintaining a pollution-free water environment.

“It is essential that all sea-goers take all the necessary precautions, including owning and wearing a life jacket. It is also important that swimmers, fishermen, water sportsmen all know how to get themselves out of a tight spot if they come across one at sea,” said Formula One Power Boat World Champion Ali Belhabala who is one of the campaign’s goodwill ambassadors.

According to experts, the most common yet most significant challenges facing fishermen and sailors boil down to sudden weather changes.

“You can feel any weather changes much more strongly and directly at sea than you would on the land. Winds may make waves violent, leaving boats vulnerable to sinking or capsizing. This is why, making sure that your boat is in top shape is one of the keys to ensuring a safe trip at sea,” president of the Abu Dhabi Fishermen Co-operative Society, Ali Al Mansouri, who is also a goodwill ambassador of Bihar, told Gulf News.

Other dangers at sea include boat wear and tear, sudden malfunctions, shortage of food supplies and petrol tank explosions. “This is why sea-goers who are planning to take a trip, even if it is a short one, must ensure that they have a large supply of food and fresh water,” Al Mansouri added.

Joining the campaign’s Goodwill Ambassador Programme will be Omar Abdul Rahman, a member of the UAE national football team. The goodwill ambassadors will be touring schools to increase awareness among students about the risks of going to sea and safety precautions, besides highlighting the importance of preserving marine life.

“People are usually afraid of going out to the sea. To me, this large body of water is a place to relax, so it is important that a lifeline like the CICPA’s 996 number for sea emergencies and their built-in boat tracking devices exist and that the public becomes aware of these factors so they can enjoy their time at sea,” Abdul Rahman said.