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Oman`s history has always been linked to the sea.
Since the earliest days, fishermen ventured along
its coasts in search of food. Traders sailed far and
wide into the Indian Ocean, carrying goods and
ideologies. Traders and explorers from Persia,
Africa, India and Europe stopped by in Majan,
as Oman was known in ancient times. All of this
maritime activity had a decided influence on
Oman, shaping the nation to what it is today.
In addition to a rich maritime history, Oman also
boasts an astonishingly diverse marine ecosystem.
Once used by ancient seafarers, the many bays,
inlets and coves continue to shelter fishermen
and attract tourists with their scenic splendour
and promise of diverse and exciting marine life.
Coral reefs thrive in the Sultanate’s clear waters
and support a fantastic range of associated reef
life, from sea anemones to Whale Sharks.
Dolphins and whales are frequently seen
cavorting in offshore waters. Various little islands
like Daymaniyat and Masirah are home to
internationally important nesting seabirds and
even endangered species of turtles.
Introduction to OmanPocketed with tantalizing lagoons and shallow
bays, Oman offers water enthusiasts plenty of
opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Diverse marine life and warm temperatures make
the region a heaven for both beginners and
experienced divers.
Today, sailing is actively promoted as a recreational
activity. Oman is participating in competitive sailing
at an international level and charting fresh courses
around the world.
About Al Mouj Marinaproperties, a Greg Norman signature golf course and four premier hotels, along with retail, leisure and dining facilities. An upmarket retail enclave called ‘The Walk’ offers visitors a place to shop, dine and enjoy life’s finer pleasures in a unique ambience.
The marina boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a wide choice of amenities that help make it one of the region’s leading yachting destinations. It is supported by eco-friendly facilities including extra wide walkways and on-water lounge areas with contemporary shade structures. A purpose built two kilometer breakwater protects the harbour and yachts.
Al Mouj Marina is a premier marina facility and yachting destination situated in Oman’s flagship residential development, Al Mouj Muscat. With a spectacular waterfront setting and a masterplan that sensitively reflects Oman’s stunning natural landscape of mountains and sea, Al Mouj Muscat is a world-class lifestyle destination in the new heart of Muscat.
23 37’55”N 58 16’03”EPositioned in the new heart of Muscat
Spread along a stunning six kilometre stretch of coastline, Al Mouj Muscat is a mixed use
community with more than 4,000 residential
A resident five-star concierge service, 24-hour dock master assistance and fueling facilities complement the waterfront facilities and makes it the place to berth yachts in Oman.
Renowned for its eco-friendly facilities, Al Mouj Marina is the first in the region to be awarded the coveted International Clean Marina Accreditation and 5 Gold Anchor Accreditation and is committed to protecting and preserving Oman’s marine eco-system through its world-leading research and environmental projects.
Environmental Awareness
Garbage
• Put a sturdy trash container on your boat.
• Don’t toss garbage, including cigarette buttsoverboard.
• Reduce the amount of packaging and plasticyou take aboard.
• Never discard plastics into the water.
• Establish a boat rule that no trash getsthrown overboard-even apple cores andcigarette butts.
• Always store your garbage on-board anddispose of it when you return to Marina(Marina staff will help you). Store it securelyso it does not fly away while boating.
• Use the appropriately marked garbagereceptacles. If a garbage can is full, ask Marinastaff for help.
• Separate recyclable materials, like cans andbottles, from regular garbage.
• If you are not sure how to dispose of acertain waste, ask the Marina staff.
• Never leave used oil unattended near a bin.
• Be a good neighbor and pick up garbage thatyou come across, either floating in the water or on land. You may call the Marina staff to help.
• Leave the water and Marina cleaner than youfound it.
Fish Waste
• Fish waste should be discarded offshore.
• Take particular care to properly dispose offishing lines. Fishing lines in the water canentangle fish, wildlife, swimmers, and boatpropellers.
• Keep only those fish that you will eat today.
• Practice catch and release techniques toensure the survival of those fish you tossback.
• Use circle hooks.
• Wet hands or wear gloves before handling fish.
Garbage and Fishing Waste
When not handled properly, garbage, fish waste, fishing line, hazardous waste and pet waste can injure marine life and people, and can ruin your boating experience. Consider the following tips to minimise your garbage and waste.
• Use onshore restrooms before leaving shore.• Obey the law-keep untreated sewage out of
all coastal and inland waters.• Use enzyme deodorizers for holding tanks and
portable toilets.
Boat Cleaning
• Soaps and solvents aretoxic to marine life; usesparingly.
• Take care when usingharmful products near thewater.
• Regularly scrub your deckswith fresh water and abrush to reduce the need touse heavy cleaners.
• Try to do large cleaningand maintenance jobs whilethe boat is out of the water.
• Ask your Marina todispose of your used zincsand anodes.
Hull Maintenance
• Boat paints and other hullcoatings contain harmfulcomponents including metals,solvents, and dyes.
• Use a hard (non ablative)anti-fouling paint if youplan on scrubbing the boatbottom while in the waterbut remember, this is notallowed in the Marina.
Maintain your Marine Toilet
• Keep the disinfectant tank full.
• Use biodegradable treatmentchemicals.
• Have your marine toiletinspected regularly to ensurethat it is functioning properly.
• Do not dispose of fats,solvents, oils, emulsifiers, disinfectants, paints, poisons, phosphates, nappies, or other similar products in your marine toilet.
• Use shore-side showers andlaundry facilities whenever theyare available.
• Check product labels and uselow nitrogen and phosphorousdetergents for onboard laundry,dish washing and generalcleaning.
• Use all soaps and cleanerssparingly.Re
memb
er to
a wide range of migratory birds including the
Boating Destinations and Activities in Oman
Daymaniyat Islands
Approximately 15 nautical miles away lies the uninhabited Daymaniyat Islands, with a variety of sites to impress the most seasoned divers and snorkelers.The Daymaniyat Islands are one of Oman’s premier dive spots. The islands have been protected as a nature reserve since 1996 and provide an important nesting site for hawksbill and green turtles, as well as a wide range of migratory birds including the
increasingly rare sooty falcon (which can also be found in the Sawadi Islands), one of the few migratory raptors which actually nests and breeds in the region.
The Daymaniyat islands are a string of 9 uninhabited islands. This is Oman’s only Marine Nature Reserve and special permits have to be acquired prior to a visit or a camping trip. The islands are renowned for their extensive coral reefs, inhabited by plenty of colourful reef fish, turtles and rays.
Oman has a rich maritime history, and recently, cruising, diving and water sports have become major tourist attractions.
Oman is a boater’s paradise, surrounded by beautiful, azure waters and home to a wealth of cruising, diving and watersports opportunities to explore from luxurious anchoring destinations. Located on the Tropic of Cancer and engulfed by the Sea of Oman, Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, everyone from boating enthusiasts on a short visit, to locals in search of a leisurely and relaxing day trip can enjoy its islands, boating areas and range of water-based activities.
From Almouj Marina, boaters can set off into the local waters and discover a series of breath-taking islands and abundance of marine life and coral reefs in some of the region’s most prominent boating, fishing and diving destinations.
A quick overview of some of the most famous boating destinations accessible from Almouj Marina include:
Al Fahal Island
Fahal Island, also known as Shark Island, is located 14 nautical miles offshore from Almouj Marina. The easiest way to reach the island is by boat and it is an approximate ride of 45 minutes depending on weather conditions, from Almouj Marina.
What makes this island unique is the fact that it is composed almost entirely of limestone which was originally part of the sea floor, resulting in an abundance of shells, coral and algae. Deep reefs can be found at 40 meters below the surface. You will see quite a diverse sample of sea life ranging from schools of barracuda to giant eagle rays, and if you’re lucky, even sharks lazing on the shallower sandbanks, making this spot famous of diving and fishing.
Bandar Khayran Reserve
This reserve is located 30 nautical miles away from Almouj Marina. As a visitor, you’ll enjoy seeing the rocky mountains and the white-washed small houses that overlook the majestic sea. You’ll also pass Al Bustan Palace a Ritz Carlton Hotel and Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
Coral reefs permeate the Bandar Al Khayran waters, considered home to many diverse organisms and fish. The place is abuzz with divers, especially with the presence of more than 22 diving locations, each with its own charm and beauty. Divers can also see the magnificent wreck at the GPS Position, N 23° 31’054” E 058° 45’472”.
Barr Al Hikman
Barr Al Hikman is located in the centre of Oman’s east coast in AlWasta Governorate (the central region), 500 kilometres south of Muscat. This island is considered one of the most important bird migration stations both in Oman and Southeast Asia. In addition to being a sanctuary for birds and fish of all kinds, the existence of coral reefs off its shores make it a favourite destination for divers and snorkelers.
Musandam
At the northeastern most tip of the Arabian peninsula (and separated from the rest of Oman by a wide swathe of UAE territory) the dramatic Musandam peninsula is perhaps the most scenically spectacular area in the entire Gulf for drivers and snorkelers. Often described as ‘The Norway of Arabia’, Musandam peninsula boasts a magical combination of mountain and maritime landscapes, making this an ideal spot for bird watching.
Musandam remains one of Oman’s great wildernesses, with a largely untouched natural environment ranging from the pristine waters of the coast, where you can see frolicking dolphins, basking sharks and the occasional whale, through to the wild uplands of the jebel, dotted with fossils. Well worth a few days’ visit from Muscat.
Daymaniyat Islands Permits
In reference and concerning the Daymaniyat Islands Permits, please note the following:
During the bird and turtle nesting season from May to October, visiting the shore and camping is prohibited. You are still required to obtain a permit to visit the nature reserve area and for anchoring.
Almouj Marina can assist you and your guests by issuing Ministry of Environment and Climatic Affairs coupons to visit the Daymaniyat Islands. These permits are under the visiting, diving and camping categories and are available for adults
and children. Please contact Almouj Marina 72 hours ahead of your trip to request the coupon from the marina’s team. Once the coupon is issued, you need to SMS the following data in the specifi ed format to MECA.When visiting the Daymaniyat Islands, ensure you follow the Nature Reserve’s rules and conservation laws in order to preserve the marine park and environment: No camping from May to October, due to
nesting birds Camping is only allowed on Jebel Al
Kabeer and Al Jon Islands from Novemberto April
SMS to MECA:Phone Number: 9393 1119Format:
Almouj Marina No. of persons Corresponding coupon numbers Code Date
Do not harm or disturb nesting turtles bytouching or approaching them as they moveon the beach; do not touch, collect or movetheir eggs
When camping, extinguish lights and fi reafter 9pm
It is prohibited to collect or harm coral or anyother marine species
All waste must be properly disposed, inorder to keep the islands clean
Almouj Marina charges a small service fee in addition to the permit fees. All proceeds from this service fee will be contributed to environmental activities by MECA. For any questions or additional information, contact the Almouj Marina team on Tel: +968 2453 4544.
Thank you for helping Oman to preserve the beauty of the Daymaniyat Islands nature reserve.
Code references are:V – Visiting Adult; Ch V – Visiting Children;D – Diving Adult; C – Camping Adult, Ch C – Camping Children(Children - under 16 years of age)Send the SMS once the trip is confi rmed, and ensure you carry the coupon on board during your trip in order to be able to show Rangers and/or ROP Coast Guard upon request. The permits are valid for a limited time and specifi ed date only, they cannot be altered, reused or amended.
Boating Tips:
• Make sure anyone fueling the boat knowswhich inlet fill is for fuel.
• Always use an oil absorbent color or padwhen fuelling to catch drips.
• Make sure you inform the filler which typeof fuel your boat uses.
• Prevent spills by not over filling/toppingoff the tank, and listening to filler pipe toanticipate when the tank is full.
• To prevent spills from the tank vent of abuilt-in fuel tank, install a fuel/airseparator or an air whistle inyour tank line, or use a vent cupto capture overspill. Ask marina staff if theyknow who can provide this service.
• Avoid overfilling tanks; fuel expands as itwarms up in the tank after being movedfrom cooler storage tanks.
• Add a stabilizer to your fuel if you use yourboat infrequently. This helps preserve fueland ensures it burns efficiently.
• If you see a leak or spill of any fuel, stop thespill at the source and contact the marinastaff immediately.
• Understand that squirting any detergent oremulsifier on an oil slick is not good for theenvironment.
• Never pour oil or oily liquids into the water.
As a boater, you are well aware of the care your vessel requires. In order to keep your boat safe, reliable, and attractive, you must clean and maintain it. As you do so, minimize the environmental impact by following the recommendations listed here. Caution is necessary because your choice of products and activities can have a serious impact on water quality and aquatic life. As a Clean Marinas accredited facility, Almouj Marina encourages the nation’s boat owners to learn about and to use clean boating techniques.
• Observe all rules and regulations including ‘no wake’ zones.
• Avoid operating through shallow areas. You risk damage to your boat and sensitive habitats, suchas seagrass and coral life.
• If not familiar with the waters near the shore, proceed cautiously and refer to the most currentlocal charts.
• When your outboard motor needs replacing, consider an efficient 4 - stroke. Higher efficiency engines save money on fuel and reduce the level of unused fuel released into the environment.
Boat Operation
The way that you operate your boat or personal watercraft can have a direct effect on public safety and the environment. When not operated properly, boats can inflict injuries on people, animals and on other property and cause pollution.
Fuelling
Specific considerations should be given when fuelling your boat. Consider the following tips to make sure your boating activities are safe and protect the environment.
Engine Maintenance
• Routine engine servicing requires the handling of toxic substances suchas oil and solvents and must be done carefully. It is always bestto contact your dealer for maintenance.
• Make sure your engines are flushed with fresh water every time you usethe boat.
• Keep your engine well-tuned to have it perform efficiently, to prevent leaks, and keep it cleanto spot oil and fuel leaks more easily.
• If you must use solvents, use VOC-free solvents.
• Use the orange-pink coloured propylene radiator fluids/coolants, which is non-toxic, ratherthan the blue-green coloured ethylene glycol, which is toxic to marine life.
• Monitor fuel hose and filler point when fuelling (Even if its marinastaff fueling).
• Know how much fuel your tanks hold and don’t top off.
Personal Floatation Devices(PFDs) AKA Life Jackets
• Buy your own life jacket, and wear it. One size does not fit all.
• Look at the label for size and weight limitations.
• Try it on and check the fit. With straps and buckles secured, the life jacket should
not slip over your head or cover your eyes.
• Replace your life jacket if you find air leakage, mildew or rot.
• Check your life jackets yearly for flotation and fit.
• Wear a life jacket to set an example for younger children while keeping yourself safe.
Boating Safety
Inspect your Boat
Take a few minutes to make sure you are ready to boat safely before you leave. This will reduce risks when you are out on the water. Operating a boat that you know is not seaworthy is dangerous. You must keep your boat, its engine and all equipment in good working order. Explain safe boating rules to everyone on board before heading out. Tell your guests where you keep the safety equipment and how to use it. Make sure that at least one other person on board knows how to operate the boat in case something happens to you.
Study and carry your marine charts, and ventilate all areas where fumes may accumulate - learn more about CO (carbon monoxide) and ignition protection.
Monitor the Weather
Weather and water conditions play a big role in your safety on the water. Before heading
Avoid Close Quarters Situations
• Keep constant watch for others on the water.If you are sharing the water with large vessels,remember that it is harder for them to see youor change their route to avoid you.
• Always watch out for others on the waterand be ready to yield to large vessels in thesafest way – keeping in mind the water andweather conditions. Use radar and radio ifyou have them.
• Stay off the water in fog or high winds.
• Stay clear of vessels in tow and larger vessels.
• Never pass between a tug and its tow. Ifa small boat were to hit the hidden line,it could capsize and be run down by theobject being towed. Many towed objectswill also have a long trailing line behindthem. Give the tug and its tow plenty ofspace in every direction.
Know the rules of the road and safety on the water
out, make sure you get the latest forecast for your area and that you understand what it means.
Make and file a sail plan
A sail plan (also known as a trip or float plan) includes the route you plan to travel and describes your boat. No matter what you call them, you should file one before heading out - even if it is just for an hour or two.
Load your Boat Properly
Overloading your boat with people, equipment or both is dangerous. Your boat’s safety on the water depends on how much you put on the boat and where you put it. Too much weight will make your boat unstable and allow small waves to come on board.
“PFDs,they float
youdon’t!“
Learn How to Recognize a Towing Vessel at Night
Be alert for special lights displayed by tugs (or any vessels) towing barges, other boats or objects.
Avoid Dangerous Behaviours
Never try to spray swimmers, or cut in front of or try to jump the wake of other vessels.
Operate at a Safe Speed
Remember that you may have to stop or turn suddenly to avoid a collision, so operate at a safe speed. A safe speed depends on:
• Your ability to see ahead – slow is the onlysafe speed in fog, mist, rain and darkness.
• Current, wind, and water conditions.
• How quickly your boat can change direction.
• How many and what types of vessels are nearyou, and the presence of navigational hazardssuch as rocks and fishing nets.
• A boat’s wake can damage other vessels,docks and the shoreline. It can also be a risk forswimmers, divers and people on small boatsthat might capsize. Be aware of how your boat’swake might affect others when choosing yourspeed.
• Don’t mix speed and/or alcohol with boatdriving. Remember that you are responsible
for the safety of your guests and others using the waterway. You must always be prepared and alert, since conditions on the water can change quickly.
Reacting to a Fire
• If you have a fire on board, make sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket or PFD and useextinguishers to control the fire.
• In case of a small fire, activate a fire extinguisher and aim it at the base of theflames. Sweep the discharge nozzle from side to side and for a few seconds after the flames are completely out. Otherwise, the fire may restart and there might not be enough left in theextinguisher to put it out again.
• If your boat is moving when a fire starts, position it so the fire is downwind from you and stop the engine if it is safe to do so under theweather conditions.
The most common types of navigational aids are:
• Cans - which looks just like giant tin cansfloating upright - usually but not always painted in green.
• Nuns - looks like a can in which the top halftapers in a cone shape almost to a point.
• Lighted buoys - floating buoyed structures usually with a red or green flashing light on the top.
• Daymarks - which look like signs at the top of posts (red triangles or green squares).
Look out for local fishermen
Maintain a proper look-out by sight andhearing for local fishermen and fishing boats, as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Avoid Risk of Collision
Use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist. Use radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic
observation of detected objects.
Action to avoid collision
Alter your course and/or speed to avoid collision, and if the circumstances of the case allow, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar. If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation. If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, slacken your speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing propulsion.
Responsibilities between vessels
If your vessel is power driven and underway, you shall keep out of the way of:
• A vessel not under command.
• A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
• A vessel engaged in fishing.
• A sailing vessel.
If it is a sailing vessel underway you shall keep out of the way of:
• A vessel not under command.
• A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
• A vessel engaged in fishing.
Navigation TipsThe navigation rules are much like the rules of the road on a highway. They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another.
• South entrance to Marina blind spot. If youuse the southern entrance of the breakwateR, make sure you approach the Marinaentrance cautiously with a wide angle.Blind spots arise due to limited visibilitywhen navigating within close proximity toquay walls.
• Always be aware of wind direction, speedand general weather conditions whenmooring
• Expect Marina staff to welcome you withmineral water and chilled towels
• If you need assistance with mooring, contactthe Marina for assistance - 24h dockmaster phone - +968 9639 2323
• Mooring – dockmaster will assist with thefollowing:
- Mooring.
- Shore power connection.
- Returning covers if required.
- Flush engines and rinse with fresh water.
Returning to Marina
• Check fuel level and fuel turned on.
• Turn batteries on.
• Check engine oil level.
• Check coolant level.
• Ensure air vent on tank is open.
• Vent engine room using blower.
• Ensure that engine is in neutral.
• Check prop is clear.
• Test kill cord works.
• Engage gears briefly to check operation.
Speed limits inside Marina.
Marina navigational channel.
Fuel station is located on eastern side of
the marina (starboard when leaving).
Providing super and diesel fuels.
Local fishermen presence - watch out for nets near
breakwater.
Leaving the Marina
Vessel departing Marina check list:
- Off loading and transporting luggage/supplies/equipment and guests.
• For transient vessels visiting Omani watersthere are entry and exit formalities.
• Vessels should appoint a licensed agent forhandling:
- Safety inspection.
- Immigration procedures.
- Customs clearance.
- Sailing permits and approvals.
• Contact the Marina admin team in advanceto put you in contact with local licensedagents.
Leaving and entering the Marina
