RAHBC: Boat Club Safety & Emergency procedures               RAHBC Club Home

The Ras Al Hamra Boat Club (RAHBC) has parking facilities for private powerboats that are members of the Ras al Hamra Recreation Centre (RAHRC). The following regulations have been drawn up
  i) to ensure that all members know how the allocation system works;
  ii) to make sure that all members have a fair chance of being able to store their boats at the club;
  iii) to ensure that the Boat Park and Boats are used safely and do not present hazards for any members. 

The following procedures apply to powerboats:

1 Application for a power boat parking slot

1.1 Application forms shall be submitted to the RAHBC Powerboat Captain. They should be accompanied by copies of the registration and insurance documents as well as the details of the boat, and trailer lengths and widths (maximums in all cases). All owners must be named individuals.

1.2 Parking slots at the Boat Park are divided into three categories - Upper Park; Uncovered Lower Park; and Covered Lower Park. The application should clearly state for which category the application is made. Initially a slot may come available in the Upper Park and a subsequent application would be needed to move to another slot.

1.3 Only members of the RAHRC who own, or part own (and are named as owners in the Registration Document) a powerboat will be allocated a slot.

1.4 Each RAHRC member may be allocated only one boat slot. The one slot is allocated to as many members as own a share in the boat. Each member owning a share in the boat is considered jointly responsible for the slot and the boat, it's condition and use.

1.5 It is only permitted to have an outstanding application for one category at a time.

1.6 Change of slots is on written request only and not automatically.

1.7 Slots are allocated to members (boat owners only) based on the length of time a boat has been owned. The names of all boat owners and their slot numbers, as well as the list of boats waiting to move to a different category of slot is published for each category on the Boat Club notice board and available from the RAHBC Powerboat Captain.

2 Change of Owner

2.1 When complete ownership of a boat is sold the old owner must remove the boat from the Boat Park and notify the RAHBC Powerboat Captain in writing/e-mail. If eligible, the new owner should then apply for allocation by submitting the RAHBC Boat Park Application Form.

2.2 When only a share of the boat is sold, the new/remaining owner(s) must still notify the RAHBC Powerboat Captain by (re)submitting RAHBC Boat Park Application Form. The length of time a boat has been owned (i.e. the seniority of the boat) is automatically recalculated based on the remaining owner(s) and compared with those on the waiting list. Usually this means the boat remains in its slot, unless the remaining owners are recent purchasers. If the length of time the boat has been owned is less than that of any other boat which is waiting to move into that particular type of slot then the slot is forfeit and goes to the owners of the boat waiting to move.

2.3 When an owner buys another boat, the one slot remains his/hers provided all the members owning a share in the old boat agree - the purchase date associated with the boat remains that which existed for the old boat. The slot is allocated to a member (or jointly to a group of members) not a boat. For example, if a boat is owned by two members and one buys a new boat he may only continue to use the same slot if the other member agrees and the old boat is removed from the boat park- the other member then loses all rights to a slot (but may apply for a new one) unless he is also a part owner in the new boat in which case he retains use of the slot only for the new boat.

3 Boat Park Regulations

3.1 All boats launched from or parked at the Boat Park must carry at least third party liability insurance and a current registration document. Insurance can be arranged through the RAHRC Accounts office (for details/forms contact the RAHRC administration - RCB, tel 2467-5435) or via any major insurance company. Boat registration (with the Port authorities) can be arranged through the RAHRC administration (tel 2467-7321). The annual renewal of this registration and insurance is the responsibility of the boat owner(s). Each boat must have its Name, Port Registration Number (MSQ xxxx) and Type of use (Pleasure/Diving) painted clearly on the hull above the waterline in both English and Arabic.

3.2 All boats launched or parked at the Boat Club must, in the opinion of the RAHBC Committee, be seaworthy. Upon launching, they must carry all the safety equipment listed below. Any boat considered to be not-seaworthy or failing to carry the required safety equipment, may be removed from the Boat Park and the slot forfeit. Responsibility for the launching and use of private boats lies entirely with the boat owner(s), but the Boatsman has an overriding veto on whether or not any boat may be launched for whatever reason. Disregard of the decision of the Boatsman may lead to disciplinary from the Main Committee.

3.3 All private boats parked at the Boat Club must sit entirely within the maximum length and width of their trailers (excepting the engine that may protrude from the back of the trailer). The maximum permitted width of a trailer (at its widest point including the wheels) in the Boat Park is 2.8m. The maximum permitted length of a trailer (including towing ball/hoop) in the Boat Park is 7.5m.

3.4 As the launching ramps are steep no trailer shall be used for launch/recovery that in the opinion of the Boatsman on duty is not in good enough condition to ensure the safety of RAHRC members (including the owners/users of the boat/trailer in question). The following items are of particular concern: Winch attachment to trailer - the hoop at the front and main trailer frame must not be rusted to the extent there is a danger of failure; Trailer wheels (inc. jockey wheel) axles, and fittings must be in good condition; The attachment of the boat to the trailer must be capable of withstanding the stresses placed upon it - A towing strop or chain of dimensions appropriate for the size of boat must be used. (A chain/strop fixed to the trailer with a hook on the other end to catch the boat and set it in exactly the right position on the trailer is recommended).

3.5 During the absence of the Boatsman, only boat-owners with  the appropriate experience may operate the winch themselves. They should adhere to the winch operation instructions at all times. They should also use common sense i.e. they have to make sure there is tension/weight on the cable at all times when operating the winch. Winding or unwinding a slack cable will result in tangled and possibly damaged cables.

The mechanical and electrical maintenance of the winches is the responsibility of the PDO-UIB department. The winches are being checked once a week  which means the cables are unwound from the drums and checked on any damage. When there are indications of corrosion where the cable is in contact with sea water, a part of the lower winch cable is removed. The entire cable is replaced regularly once the cable runs short . Any member noticing a defect should report it immediately to the Boatsman .

3.6 After launching, the trailer must be returned to the slot (whether it is in the Upper or Lower part of the Boat Park) not left sitting around the Lower Park where it is in the way of other users (unless the Boatsman advises otherwise).

3.7 The boat of any owner who uses or allows his/her boat to be used in a manner detrimental to the well being of other club users (on or off the water) may be removed from the Boat Park and the slot forfeit.

3.8 Boats not or rarely used over a 6-month period, boats that are not in a seaworthy condition, boats without an engine, boats with a trailer that can not be moved safely or boats without a valid registration or insurance may be removed from the Boat Park and the slot forfeit. The decision on this is taken by the Powerboat Captain and the Commodore. When asked to remove their boat the boat owner shall do so within 1 week of the request by the Powerboat Captain or the Commodore. In case the boat is not removed by the boat owner within that time removal of the boat can be arranged by RAHBC/RAHRC at full cost to the boat owner and at no responsibility whatsoever to the RAHBC/RAHRC committee or RAHRC management.

3.9 Bringing a boat into or taking a boat away from the Boat Park is only permitted by arrangement with the RAHBC Powerboat Captain, Security Office or RAHBC Boatsman.

3.10 No cars may be parked in the Boat Park at any time (unless the Boatsman advises otherwise).

3.11 RAHRC/RAHBC takes no responsibility whatsoever for any boat left/parked within the Boat Park. Any boat that is not removed from the Boat Park by the owner when required to do so, (or any boat for which the owner is no longer traceable for a period of six months) will become the property of RAHRC and may be retained by the club for use by members or sold by auction.

3.12 Welding or grinding work (or anything that would warrant the equivalent of a "Hot Permit" in PDO terms) on boats in Boat Park may only take place in the middle of the Upper Park well away from other boats.

3.13 The storage of fuel in containers outside of a private boat within the Boat Park is prohibited. Fuel containers used inside a boat must be of a type designed for containing fuel.

4 Sign-Out Procedure

4.1 When planning your trip leave details with a designated contact person remaining on shore who will take action if you do not return on time. If you can’t find a suitable contact person, leave it blank and your contact will default to the RAHRC duty security officer or the Boatsman who will take appropriate action on your behalf when necessary.

4.2 Before launching your boat fill out the details of your trip on the board or register these details with the duty boatsman. Include the GSM/tel number of the designated contact person whom you left your details with, and your estimated time of return (ETR).

4.3 It is the responsibility of your designated contact person to check that you have safely returned. If you have not returned by your ETR the Boatsman (or the RAHRC security officer after the Boatsman’s working hours) will attempt to advise your designated contact person.

4.4 In the event of your non-return it is the responsibility of your designated contact person in conjunction with the boatsman to decide what action to take. If they consider you require rescuing this might be attempted using RAHBC resources (level 1 rescue). Alternatively a level 2 emergency procedure might be launched through the PDO (2467)-5555 number and the MAF Duty pilot. The boatsman has been trained and is familiar with these procedures.

4.5 Ensure that you remove the details of your boat and trip from the sign out board when you return or add a note to the board if you moor elsewhere because of rough weather.

5 Safety Regulations (see also: RAHBC: Boat Club Safety & Emergency procedures )

5.1 Complete the sign-out board, including destination, ETR, GSM number on the boat and tel/GSM number of your designated contact person.

5.2 The following safety items MUST be on board before launching:

1. Sufficient drinking water (min 1l per person)
2. Fire extinguisher 
3. Life jackets (one for each person on board plus one) 
4. Anchor with 100m line 
5. First aid kit 
6. Torch 
7. 2 Flares
8. GSM or VHF radio
9. Compass
10. Sufficient fuel 

5.3 A minimum of two experienced persons are required for winch operation.

5.4 Check that the bung is in and the engine 'up' before putting the boat on the ramp.

5.5 Check that the ramp is clear before using the winch.

5.6 Ensure that nobody is in the boat while it is on the ramp (both during launch and recovery).

5.7 Return your trailer to its allocated slot after launching.

5.8 Keep to dead slow speed whilst entering or leaving the bay (defined by the row of orange bouys located roughly between the headlands on either side) and watch out for swimmers. Stay within the lane defined by extending the line of the two ramps into the bay. No maneuvering is permitted within the bay other than launching/departure and arrival/recovery.

5.9 Keep clear of the beach, except for the beach between the ramps.

5.10 Use of the boat on the water (day and night) is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (see below for information concerning going on the water at night).

5.11 Ensure the boat/trailer is stationary (i.e. the back wheels are at the landside of the permanent safety ridge at the top of the ramp) before unhooking the cable after recovery.

5.12 DO NOT attempt to land your boat if the sea is too rough. The Boatsman's decision on this is final. It is much safer to moor at the MAF Harbour and return when conditions improve. If you moor at the MAF Harbour you must immediately inform the PDO duty pilot at the marine terminal and conform to additional PDO regulations. 

5.13 Remember to remove your name from the 'sign out' board on return. If you have moored at the MAF Harbour you must indicate this on the board before your ETR (do not just wipe your entry off the board).

6 Regulations concerning going on the water at night

The regulations governing lights at night (i.e. between sunset and sunrise) whilst underway (i.e. not at anchor / not made fast to the shore / not aground) are as follows:

6.2 Powerboats with a top speed greater than 7 knots.

These boats must display as a minimum an all-round (i.e. an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360°) white light that is visible for 2 miles plus sidelights (i.e. a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side, or green and red combined in one lantern carried on the centerline).

6.3 Power Boats less than 7 meters long with a top speed less than 7 knots.

These boats must display as a minimum an all-round (i.e. an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360°) white light that is visible for 2 miles.

6.4 Sailing Boats less than 7 meters long (including windsurfers).

These boats must as a minimum have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light that shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision.

6.5 Once anchored, a vessel less than 7 meters long does not have to exhibit lights as long as it is not anchored in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate.

6.6 Please note that a Powerboat is any vessel propelled by machinery. A sailing boat that has an auxiliary engine attached becomes a Powerboat as soon as the engine is in use.

6.7 The above regulations are minimums - do not take your boat out at night (or stay out beyond sunset) if you do not comply with the minimum requirement.

All Power Boat Users

The following additional rules shall be observed by all:

1. All cars must be parked outside the boat parking area at all times. Cars will be only allowed in the boat parking area for loading and unloading.
   • Parking stickers can be issued for any car parked inside the boat parking area.  Continuous occurrence will result with disciplinary action.  The RAHRC committee has right to suspend any member from the club.
   • The Boatsman has the right to stop you launching your boat, if your car is parked in the boat parking area.
     
2. It is not allowed for anyone to use somebody else’s boat without their authority.
   • A letter of authority from the boat owner must be present to the Boatsman.
   • The Boatsman has the right to stop you launching your boat, if no authority letter from the boat owner is present.
     
3. Estimate time of return must be followed; if you have to stay longer at sea call the Boatsman to increase your ETR.
• Note: Emergency alarm will be raised half an hour after you fail to appear in the bay.
• Boat owners must have the basic understanding of their whereabouts in order to inform the winch person or rescue team of their location
  
4. Boatsman are not responsible for missing items in the member’s boat. Please secure your items in safe place.
    
5. Jet-ski's (and the likes) are not allowed at the RAHBC

RAHBC Boat Park Application Form (submit to the RAHBC Powerboat Captain)

Date         1                              2                                 3                                 4


Copies attached:
- Purchase Receipt i.e. Bill of Sale
- Registration Document i.e. Navigation license for vessels & small boats
- Insurance Policy Schedule