The WARDS oF The WaTerS

Bahrain’s Coast Guard plays a vital role in maintaining the security of the Kingdom’s coastline, from towing stricken pleasure craft back to shore to fending off unwanted ‘guests’ from international waters.

A S an island Kingdom, a well equipped and highly trained Coast Guard is hugely important to the security of the country. Their roles are many, but their overall goal is the maintained security and safety of Bahrain’s waters.

More than a few boat owners (ourselves included) have been grateful for the assistance provided by the Coast Guard when their engines have broken down or their propellers have been damaged, being glad of a friendly tow back to shore. They also do their rounds in popular boating and fishing areas to make sure safety and security regulations are being followed, and the required permits are held.

However, these are but some of the more trivial activities the Coast Guard carries out. o n a more serious level, they keep a watchful eye on the horizons for potential threats and unwanted incursions that might be detrimental to Bahrain’s security. They monitor all vessels on the water for nefarious activities, and they work with other local and international security forces such as the police and the BDF to ensure high levels of training and cooperation.

History

The very first seeds of Bahrain’s modernday Coast Guard were planted towards the end of the 1930s. The first team had a Nokhitheh (Captain) and two sailors with a single vessel named ‘Hawar’, and it was based by Muharraq Bridge under the supervision of the Bahrain government police, receiving command from a government consultant.

It remained that way for a few years, until in 1945 an additional four wooden ships were purchased, two under steam power, and two sailing ships, and they were used to transport goods and prisoners between Bahrain’s mainland and Jeddah, and the outlying islands such as Hawar.

In 1958, two ships were purchased from the British Navy, and that year the Coast

Guard then consisted of a total of six vessels, a ‘Galbot’, which is a diving ship, and a total crew of 19.

In 1961 the office was shifted from Bab Al Bahrain to Muharraq Furtha, and it became an independent unit operating under the command of the Bahrain government police. Government interest and support for this unit increased at the time, resulting in a total fleet of 11 ships, one ‘Galbot’ and a total crew of 39. Most of the ships were manufactured locally. In 1962, the Coast Guard Department moved to Mina Salman police station.

The ongoing success of the Coast Guard’s operations resulted in the Ministry of Interior’s increased interest in developing their capabilities, and so in 1972 the Coast Guard was separated from the police and became a fully independent force responsible for the security and stability of the Coast of Bahrain. In 1973, they were officially named the Bahrain Coast Guard. They continued to receive more modernised boats with improved speed, power and efficiency to overcome poor weather, storms and hurricanes, and the latest communication devices and rescue equipment. o n the 21st of April, 1980, His Highness

Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa patronised the opening of the new Coast Guard Base in Muharraq, and the base included many highly developed departments, including maintenance workshops, carpentry, electricity, a harbour and a lecture hall. Development didn’t stop at upgrading vessels and facilities – the Coast Guard sponsored Bahraini youth to be sent abroad to learn the latest marine sciences, as well as other training courses in Bahrain. They also trained with foreign coast guard services, gaining experience from other countries such as America, Great Britain and Pakistan. In addition, the Coast Guard offered their services to other departments and organisations in the country, expanding their scope of operations considerably and earning the respect of the country as a whole.

With the rapid economic development of Bahrain and resulting investment in maritime infrastructure and increase in shipping activity, the Coast Guard built a second base to monitor the southern end of Bahrain in Bander Al Dar. This base incorporated many departments including a multi-million dollar radar control room covering the entire of Bahrain’s territorial waters.

There is also now a third base located near to the King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia to patrol the Western side of the island. In addition, there is a station in each ‘Furtha’ of Manama: Muharraq, Bander Al Dar North, Ras Ria, Muharraq Bridge, and Hawar Island, including five check points.

The Coast Guard’s fleet now comprises more then 80 boats of varying sizes, from larger ships purchased from Spain, Turkey and the US to high-speed boats capable of intercepting almost any kind of vessel.

Should you ever require the Coast Guard’s assistance, an emergency helpline has been established, which you can reach on 17 700 000.