Don’t Cross the Buoys

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Authorities issued a public safety warning regarding orange buoys that mark restricted marine zones linked to ongoing survey work and offshore industrial operations, urging sailors, fishermen and recreational sea users to keep their distance.

The alert, issued under the Ministry of Interior’s Al Aman Program, comes amid continued marine activity connected to a large-scale 3D seabed survey being carried out in cooperation with Bapco Energies.

Officials said the brightly coloured markers visible across parts of Bahrain’s waters are not decorative or navigational aids, but warning indicators surrounding active operational zones that may pose serious risks.

Colonel Dr. Osama Bahar, speaking as part of the awareness campaign, said sea users must clearly recognize and strictly avoid the markers.

“Every sailor, whether amateur, professional or anyone heading out to sea must recognize, beware of, and pay attention to the orange markers commonly called ‘buoys’ in Bahrain,” he said.

He added that the guidance from authorities is simple and non-negotiable: “You must stay away from these markers.”

According to officials, the marine survey project will continue across different locations in Bahrain’s territorial waters until 2027, with operational zones shifting as work progresses.

Authorities warned that entering or approaching these areas during swimming, diving, fishing or boating activities could result in serious safety risks.

The advisory specifically prohibits activities near the marked zones, including swimming, diving, stopping vessels, jet skiing, fishing, or deploying nets and traps.

“Don’t swim near them, don’t dive around them, don’t linger near them, don’t cast your fishing line, don’t drop fish traps near them, and don’t set nets,” the awareness message stated.

Officials stressed that the restricted areas should be treated as active danger zones due to ongoing technical operations at sea.

“It’s a danger zone — dangerous for you,” the campaign warned.