Coastguard Transponders are Mandatory and it is your responsibility as a boat owner to have one fitted. DOSC cannot assist and will not be responsible for any boats impounded by the authorities.

There is a small possibility that they will send some installers to DOSC, but this will only happen if they are not operating at full capacity in the main coastguard office so we would recommend you take your boat there if you want it done in time for this season.

So what do you need to do ?

 Renew the Registration of the boat if it has expired.  This will include the inspection of all of the safety items etc.  You do NOT have to take the boat anywhere for this, just go to the Main National Transportation Authority office near the dry docks. Once this is complete they will give you a photocopy of your registration card.  Renew you radio licence online if you require one but it will not be needed for the Transponder process.

You then need to proceed to the Coastguard Base near the entrance of Shindaga Tunnel.  Follow signs for heritage village and you cannot miss it.  Stop at first gate to get ID and hand in your mobile or laptop (better to leave both at home).  Proceed to the second set of buildings and go into the boat shed.  Go upstairs and it is the first office.

You will need

• Copy of Boat Registration
• Copy of Passport
• Copy of Emirates ID  (very important)   If you do not have this then you need to get one.
• Two passport photos
• You will get a two page declaration and a bank paying in slip.

Take the paying in slip to First gulf bank either opposite Burjoman Shopping centre or near Gold and Diamond park and deposit seven thousand dirhams. (AED 7000.00)

 At this point you can either go back to the coast guard and they will give you the Antenna or you can take the boat there and they will fit everything for you.    They only work between 8:00 am and 12:00pm Sun to Thu so get there early ! If you have the antenna fitted the job will only take 20 minutes or so but be prepared to wait as they can be busy and they do all boats in the sequence they arrived.

Finally go to the office and they will get you a letter to take back to the National Marine Authority and you can collect your original Regristration card.

Please be polite to everyone involved as they are following instructions and are also working in some hot and humid conditions as they fit the transponders.    DOSC has a good working relationship with the Coastguard and rely on their full cooperation to organize racing and cruising events throughout the year. please bear this in mind when you are going through the process and avoid any comfrontational situations ;-}

Regards

 DOSC