BAHRAIN

General

Buoyage System

Cautions

Currency

Firing Areas

Government

Holidays

Industries

Languages

Mined Areas

Navigational Information

Regulations

Search and Rescue

Time Zone

U.S. Embassy

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Buoyage System

The IALA Buoyage System (Region A) is in effect. See Chart No. 1 for further IALA Buoyage System information.

Cautions

Special Warning 121 (Issued 20 March 2003)

Information on Special Warning 121 can be found in Iraq— Cautions.

Special Warning 115 (Issued 5 March 2001)

Information on Special Warning 115 can be found in Iraq— Cautions.

General

Bahrain is comprised of a group of islands in the Persian Gulf lying midway between Qatar and the mainland of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain, the largest and highest island of the group, is about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. Al Muharraq, lying close NE, is about 4 miles long and1 mile wide; it is connected to Bahrain by a causeway. The country also includes the islands of Sitrah, Umm Nasan, Jiddah, and several other small islets. Bahrain has a dispute with Qatar concerning territorial claims over the Hawar Islands.

The terrain is formed by mostly low, desert plain.

The climate is hot and humid during the summer, with somewhat mild winters.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the Bahraini dinar, consisting of 1,000 fils.

Firing Areas

Naval firing practices (surface-to-surface and surface-to-air) take place within an exercise area enclosed by the following:

a.26˚34'N, 50˚50'E.

b.26˚34'N, 50˚36'E.

c.26˚40'N, 50˚36'E.

d.26˚40'N, 50˚50'E.

Government

Flag of Bahrain

Bahrain is a traditional monarchy. The country is divided into 12 municipalities

Bahrain is governed by a king, who appoints the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The bicameral Parliament consists of a 40-member Shura Council (appointed by the king) and a 40member Hose of Deputies (directly elected to 4-year terms).

The legal system is based on Islamic law and English common law.

The capital is Manama (Al Manamah), on the island of Bahrain.

Holidays

The following holiday is observed:

Islamic holidays, which are subject to the appearance of the moon, include Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (End of Pilgrimage), Hijrah (Islamic New Year), Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday.

Industries

Crude oil production and refining are the major industries. Other industries include aluminum smelting, ship repair, offshore banking, fishing, and the manufacture of furniture, building materials, and consumer goods. Agriculture includes dates, fruits, vegetables, poultry, and livestock.

Languages

Arabic is the official language. English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Mined Areas

Vessels are advised that Mined Areas exist in the N part of the Persian Gulf. Further information should be obtained from the local authorities. Mine sightings should be reported to the

naval authorities by INMARSAT (150 5612) or to Coalition naval vessels on VHF channel 13 or 16. Details of areas reported to be dangerous due to mines are also promulgated by Notice to Mariners issued by the Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) and by MARAD advisories.

Navigational Information

The maritime territorial claims of Bahrain are, as follows:

Regulations

General

Liquor trafficking between vessels alongside wharves or between vessels and the shore is strictly prohibited.

Notification

It is compulsory for all ships entering Bahrain waters for reasons other than berthing at Mina Salman, ASRY, BAPCO, ALBA, or any other private jetties to obtain prior written permission from the Port Director before anchoring in Bahrain waters.

Search and Rescue

The Directorate of Ports is responsible for coordinating maritime search and rescue operations in Bahrani territorial waters.

Bahrain Maritime Operations Center (A9M) maintains a continuous listening watch on international distress frequencies.

Time Zone

The Time Zone description is CHARLIE (-3). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is situated at Building 979, Road 3119, Block 321, Zinj, Manama (Al Manamah).

The mailing addresses are, as follows:

1.Bahrain address— Box 26431 Manama

2.U.S. address— PSC 451

FPO AE (09834-5100)

U.S. Embassy Bahrain Home Page http://www.usembassy.com.bh

General

Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, lies in southern Asia and borders the Bay of Bengal. It is bounded on the W, N, and NE by India; on the S by the Bay of Bengal; and on the SE by Burma. In 1992, India granted Bangladesh a 999-year lease of the Tin Bigha corridor linking the enclaves of Angarpota and Dahagram.

The terrain consists mostly of a flat alluvial plain, with some hills in the SE part.

The climate is tropical monsoon with heavy rains, heat, and extreme humidity. Rain falls heavily during the monsoon season from June to October.

The short winter season, from October to March, is dry and cool.

Buoyage System

The IALA Buoyage System (Region A) is in effect. See Chart No. 1 for further IALA Buoyage System information.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the taka, consisting of 100 poisha.

Firing Areas

Military firing practice takes place regularly off the coast of Bangladesh. Notice of firing exercises and the areas involved are promulgated through coastal warnings and by local notices to mariners. Vessels should navigate with caution.

Government

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy. The country is divided into six divisions.

Bangladesh is governed by a President, who is elected for a 5-year term by the Parliament. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President. The Parliament consists of 300 directlyelected members serving 5-year terms.

The legal system is based on English common law. The capital is Dhaka (Dacca).

Flag of Bangladesh

Holidays

The following holidays are observed:

Hindu holidays, which are subject to the appearance of the moon, include Jamat-Ul-Vida, Buddha Purnima, Janamashtami, and Durga Puja (Dashami).

Islamic holidays, which are subject to the appearance of the moon, include Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Qadr, Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (End of Pilgrimage), Hijrah (Islamic New Year), Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday.

Industries

The major industries include jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, aluminum, paper, newsprint, cement, fertilizer, fishing, light engineering, and livestock raising.

The main agricultural crops are jute, rice, sugarcane, wheat, tobacco, tea, and potatoes.

Languages

Bengali is the official language. English is also used.

Navigational Information

The maritime territorial claims of Bangladesh are, as follows:

*Requires advance permission or notification for innocent passage of warships in the territorial sea. Nuclear-powered vessels and vessels transporting nuclear materials or other radioactive substances are required to give notice prior to entering the territorial sea.

** Also considered a Security Zone.

Search and Rescue

The Bangladesh Department of Shipping is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations. A Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) is locate in Dhaka. A network of coast radio stations maintain a continuous listening watch on international distress frequencies.

Signals

Storm Signals

The General System, the Brief System, or the Extended System of storm signals may be used in Bangladesh ports. For further information, see India—Signals—Storm Signals.

Time Zone

The Time Zone description is FOXTROT (-6). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is situated at the Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka.

The mailing address is G.P.O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000.

U. S. Embassy Bangladesh Home Page

http://dhaka.usembassy.gov