AIS transponders mandatory on all foreign craft in Thai waters

by Bob Motte/Noonsite on 25 Oct 2015 Warning for all foreign yachts! Phuket Marine Department will not allow foreign vessels that are not equipped with AIS to enter or depart Thailand waters, starting 19 October 2015. Thankfully following this harsh warning and numerous complaints, a period of grace has been granted.

Following Singapore's lead who introduced the AIS requirement for recreational craft back in 2012, Phuket (Thailand) announced back in October 2014 that all foreign yachts sailing in Phuket waters must have an AIS Class B transponder fitted.

See news item published at that time here.

However, no effort was made to enforce the rule and whilst the offices at Chalong Pier had notices up stating the regulation, no one was demanding for AIS to be installed, not even when questioned by owners checking in.

With yesterday's warning it appears that this is no longer the case and quite simply, all foreign yachts must have AIS installed as of yesterday.

A second warning issued today reads:

Second WARNING!!!!

Marine Office Phuket Branch would like to emphasise that all foreign boats that enter and leave Phuket province’s port which are Cruise, Yacht and Sailing Yacht have to:

1. Keep the AIS system active at all times.

2. Bring the vessels to Chalong Bay for checking your ship position with the Vessels Traffic Monitoring System (VTMS) before moving to Marina, Anchors or leaving Thai waters.

This regulation effective 19 Oct 2015.

Update 20 Oct 2015

Fortunately, following numerous complaints, the Marine Office Phuket Branch have conceded to permit the following (for the time being):

Marine department temporarily allows as follows:

1. Foreign vessels employing a Yacht Agency for clearance, can go to Marina, Anchors or leaving Thai waters, no need to bring the vessels to Chalong Bay. But AIS signal must be visible.

2. Incoming Foreign vessels not equipped with AIS can enter into Phuket as usual BUT MUST be equipped with AIS as soon as possible. The vessel is not allowed to leave Thai waters if no AIS system is active.

3. Foreign vessels that have already arrived in Thai waters and are not equipped with AIS are allowed to leave Thai waters as usual. But they need to be equipped with AIS if they want to re-enter into Thai waters.

This period of grace will now give foreign yachts that wish to remain in Phuket/Thai waters the time to source an AIS unit and get it fitted.

See the noonsite Phuket pages for AIS stockists

http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Thailand/thailand-phuket-ais-transponders-mandatory-on-all-foreign-craft-this-time-it-s-for-real