By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: The third GCC Coast Guard Week is being held in Doha, focusing on safety, as increasing number of emergency situations occur on the sea.
The three-day event is organized by the General Directorate of Coasts and Boarders Security under the theme ‘For Your Safety, Cooperate With Us’.
The annual exhibition in its third year is an opportunity to communicate with the public on Coast Guard services, sailing and safety precautions, Brigadier Staff Ali A S Al Bedeed, Director-General, Coasts and Boarders Security, told this daily yesterday.
“Safety is focus this year, safety in the sea is most important. Many people go to the sea, they don’t carry water, they don’t check batteries, they don’t check the engine. They just jump into boats and go to the sea. It’s only in the middle of the sea that they realise when they start getting a problem,” he added.
“Before you leave, at least do planning and check your boat, make sure it is ready for sailing, that will help avoid many problems,” he said.
Patrolling coast guards help between five and 30 boats, including fishermen and people going for leisure facing problems each day in the middle of the sea.
“We get many people seeking help everyday in the middle of the sea, especially during the summer and weekend,” said Brigadier Al Bedeed.
Coast Guards with 20 to 30 boats patrol the Qatari waters round the clock.
The week is organised by Lakhwiya and other departments of the Ministry of Interior, together with private agencies working in naval security equipment and devices.
The public event at Islamic Museum Park showcases modern equipment used by Coast Guard security and other agencies in the country.
The first Qatari-manufactured firefighting boat is one of the exhibits. It has been tested in the sea by the ministry and used to control fires.
Models of Qatari-made divers boats and Tofan boats are also on display.
Another special feature of the exhibition is a model of a gyrocopter expected to be used for surveillance by this year-end.
“Three gyrocopters are to be introduced for surveillance above the sea and assist Coast Guards in their operations. Four pilots have been trained to operate them.
“Later, six more gyrocopters will join the fleet,” said Flight Lieutenant Hamad Ali Al Jassim from the Ariel Reconnaissance Department.
The gyrocopters will take off from Al Khor air strip for operations, he added.
People can visit activities today from 4pm to 8pm. They will have opportunity for short sea trips on board boats of General Administration of Coasts and Borders Security.
The Peninsula
