(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Preparations are underway for Fath Al Khair 2 dhow journey, scheduled to set sail on October 5 from the Katara beach to India.
"All logistical and safety needs have been prepared for both sailors and the dhow, the sail is 80% ready and the route map is also ready," Ahmad al-Hitmi, director of beach department, Katara, said yesterday.
A water tank and a pantry have been prepared to meet the journey's needs. The route map has been prepared in co-ordination with Nakilat to decide on the licensed ports that can host the dhow, in case of any emergency during the journey. "Katara Beach department will organise specialised sea courses in co-operation with the competent parties in order to train sailors for this journey," al-Hitmi explained.
The courses will equip sailors with the main skills and expertise such as firefighting, first aid and rescue they need during this historic journey. The highest safety measures have been adopted in Fath Al Khair 2. There are four life boats seating 16 persons each as well as life jackets for everyone, in addition to 12 spare jackets.
"There will be an important meeting for the sailors in which duties during the journey will be allocated, according to their expertise and qualifications, and roles and duties will later be swapped during the journey," at-Hitmi said.
The Katara beach department is liaising with the Indian embassy in Doha to ensure the journey will be run smoothly. Entry visas and a permission to use the commercial port in Mumbai have been obtained. In Oman, authorities were contacted so the dhow can use Sur Port on the way to India and Muscat port on the way home.
Fath Al Khair 2 is to sail through through the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea via Oman and arrive in Mumbai. The journey concludes on Nov 17 at Katara beach and coincides with the launch of the Fifth International Dhow Festival.
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