Planning
AEDs for Ports, Marinas, Yachts and Ships in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman
By NeoPulse AED Team · Published
Prepared with AI assistance using the linked sources. Read our editorial policy.
Quick answer
Plan marine AEDs in two parts: AEDs ashore that staff can bring to any berth, pontoon or terminal within a few minutes, and a decision for each vessel based on how many people it carries and how far it goes from help. Dubai Maritime Authority rules ask for first aid equipment on board but do not name AEDs, and the 2009 interim guidance to the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships does not list one in its resuscitation equipment. We found no published rule that names AEDs for ports, marinas or pleasure craft in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Oman, so the decision rests on your risk assessment, your flag state and your client or charter standards.
What maritime rules and guidance say
In Dubai, Administrative Resolution No. (2) of 2024 on the technical inspection of vessels, issued by the Dubai Maritime Authority, defines maritime safety to include providing vessels with first aid equipment, and Article 2 requires maritime safety and rescue equipment on board as prescribed by the authority's manual. The authority's boating safety guide asks skippers to make sure there is a first aid box on board. Neither names AEDs.
For merchant ships without a doctor, the 2009 interim guidance to the third edition of the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships, issued by WHO collaborating centres and the International Maritime Health Association, lists oxygen, airways, suction and a bag-valve-mask as resuscitation equipment, with no defibrillator. It states that the guidance is not mandatory and that each flag state sets binding requirements.
Source: Dubai Administrative Resolution No. (2) of 2024, technical inspection of vessels; Dubai Maritime Authority boating safety guide (PDF); Schlaich et al. 2009: guidance to the International Medical Guide for Ships (PDF)
Country notes
UAE: in Abu Dhabi, ADOSH-SF Code of Practice 4.0 says employers should consider an AED programme based on risk assessment or authority mandates, which covers ports, marinas and marine contractors as workplaces. In Dubai, check the vessel inspection manual and any charter licence conditions.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman: we did not find a published rule that names AEDs for ports, marinas or pleasure craft when this guide was written. Ask the port authority, the marina operator, your flag state and any client such as an oil and gas operator which standard applies. For offshore installations and crew boats, see our offshore guide.
Source: ADOSH-SF Code of Practice 4.0, first aid and medical (PDF)
Ashore: ports, terminals and marinas
Ports and marinas are spread out, so plan from time. US OSHA publication 3185 aims for an AED response within three to five minutes. Walk or drive from each AED to the furthest berth, pontoon, fuel dock and terminal gate, and add units or put AEDs in patrol vehicles where it takes too long.
- Passenger and ferry terminals, where many people wait.
- Marina offices, fuel docks and the ends of long pontoons.
- Quay cranes, berths and workshops on cargo terminals.
- Security gates and patrol vehicles that cover the whole site at night.
- The handover point where an ambulance can reach the quay.
On board: yachts, charter boats and work vessels
A 2005 commentary in International Maritime Health argued against requiring AEDs on all merchant ships, noting that many cardiac events happen when a seafarer is alone in a cabin, but it accepted that crew can use AEDs and excluded cruise ships with large numbers of people from that view. The same logic helps operators decide: the more people a vessel carries and the further it goes from shore, the stronger the case for an AED on board.
For a charter yacht or dive boat, consider the number of guests, the trip length and the time back to a berth where an ambulance can meet you. Store the AED dry and shaded, within the manufacturer's temperature range, and make sure the crew on every trip are trained and know how to call for help by radio.
Source: Jaremin 2005: is the use of external defibrillators on merchant ships justified? (PDF)
Marine AED worksheet
Use this with the harbour master, marina manager or fleet safety lead. It is an original planning aid, not an authority form.
| Check | What to record | Question for the review |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Port or marina rules, flag state, charter licence, client standard, risk assessment. | Which document sets AED provision for this site or vessel? |
| Shore response | Measured minutes from each AED to each berth, pontoon and gate. | Can an AED reach every area within a few minutes, day and night? |
| Vessel decision | People on board, trip length, time to the nearest ambulance handover. | Does this vessel carry an AED, and if not, why not? |
| People | Trained staff per shift and crew per trip. | Who brings the AED and who calls for help? |
| Environment | Heat, salt spray and humidity at each location; cabinet type. | Is each AED within the manufacturer's storage limits? |
| Checks | Status log, pad and battery expiry, post-use restocking. | Who checks each AED, ashore and on board? |
What to ask an AED supplier
Ask for the exact model's operating and storage temperature range, its dust and water rating, and whether a carry case suits use on deck. Ask for its registration documents for your country and its voice-prompt languages.
NeoPulse can quote AEDs, cabinets, carry cases and staff and crew training for ports, marinas and fleets in the UAE and the wider GCC. Send your site plan or fleet list through the quote form.
Buyer questions
Do Dubai boats need an AED?
Dubai Maritime Authority rules ask for first aid equipment on board but do not name AEDs. Check the inspection manual for your vessel type and any charter licence conditions, and decide from the number of people on board and the distance from help.
Does the International Medical Guide for Ships require an AED?
The 2009 interim guidance to its third edition does not list a defibrillator in its resuscitation equipment, and it says each flag state sets binding requirements. Check your flag state's rules.
Are AEDs required at ports and marinas in Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Oman?
We did not find a published rule that names AEDs for these sites. Ask the port authority, marina operator and your clients, and use a workplace risk assessment.
Can an AED be kept on a boat?
Yes, if it is stored dry, shaded and within the manufacturer's temperature range, checked before each trip and used by trained crew. Check the model's dust and water rating.
Do you have a guide for offshore platforms?
Yes. See our offshore oil and gas AED guide for platforms, crew boats and remote sites.