The Critical National Infrastructure Authority in Abu Dhabi launches a campaign on maritime safety

CNIA launched this morning at a press conference an awareness campaign 'Bihar' on maritime safety, introduced under the slogan 'Be safe'.

This campaign was launched under the patronage of His Highness Staff Brigadier Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, CNIA Chairman with the presence of His Excellency Staff Brigadier Eng. Muhair Ali Al Khateri, Director General of CNIA. Several district directors and executive from CNIA and Abu Dhabi based government authorities and private agencies were present and participated at the press conference.

"Bihar" campaign is scheduled to proceed for three months starting mid-June until early September with the goal to increase public awareness of the existing regulations for types and sizes of marine species that can be caught, the prohibited areas for swimming and fishing, the reasons these areas are prohibited and how to recognize them. The campaign is to ensure personal safety and educate beach-users, swimmers, sailors and jet-skiers about safety at sea and finally to help protect the marine environment.

The campaign encompasses a multi media awareness drive as well as events and activities targeting all water users in the capital in order to access the largest segment of target audience. In addition to today's press conference, several activities will take place in the coming months to increase awareness, ensure safety and educate all citizens and visitors of Abu Dhabi on the law; these activities are to be organized in several shopping malls in the capital.

Integrated in this campaign are visits and friendly meetings with the fisherman community to familiarize them with CNIA and introduce the authority as a means of supervising the implementation of the existed rules and providing additional security and stability.

CNIA Chairman, His Highness Staff Brigadier Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, commented:

"The Critical National Infrastructure Authority was established to enhance the economical and social status of Abu Dhabi, and seeing as the human resource is one of the salient resources available, it was crucial to take action towards raising their awareness of risks they could face as a consequence of disregarding the laws and regulations valid in Abu Dhabi. 'Bihar' Campaign was launched to highlight the role of CNIA to certify the implementation of the Abu Dhabi laws and regulations which guarantee public safety to all water users."

H.E. Staff Brigadier Eng. Muhair Ali Al Khateri, Director General of CNIA clarified the role of CNIA is to support the social and economical development of Abu Dhabi where he affirmed by saying: "The role of CNIA has extended to include the Coast Guards, Maritime Police and the Marine fisheries from the Environment Agency. The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the CNIA newly introduced measures to handle Abu Dhabi sea based emergencies including the emergency helpline (996) dedicated to reporting sea-based incidents within the marine waters of Abu Dhabi. People dialling this number will be connected to a highly-trained CNIA team who will take appropriate action to alert the necessary rescue services."

"To help the rescue teams determine with precision the location of various types of boats in case of emergency, the CNIA brought in the e-passport device. This new tool will be placed on all fishing and sail boats licensed in the UAE as well as commercial boats that weigh less than 300 tonnes" H.E Staff Bragadier Eng. Muhair Al Kateri added.