The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communications is the only Government Authority that can approve the design and installation of any Aids to Navigation (AtoN) equipment to be operated within the ports, Territorial Waters, Exclusive Economic Zone or adjacent coastline (the area of jurisdiction) of the Sultanate of Oman.

With effect from 1 April 2008, all public or private organisations or companies or any Agent or Consultant representing any other party, are required to seek approval from the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs for the installation or amendment of any AtoN in the area of jurisdiction.

Any public or private organisation or company or any Agent or Consultant representing any other party wishing to install or amend an AtoN in the area of jurisdiction is to obtain an ‘Aids to Navigation Form’ from the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (Telephones: +968 24685950; 24685980). Once the form has been completed it is to be forwarded to Arabian Maritime & Navigation Aids Services who will ensure that the proposed AtoN installation or amendment is compliant with International (IALA) Standards, and that the proposed light characteristic does not conflict with any existing AtoN in the region.

Once the form has been countersigned and stamped by AMNAS it must be submitted to the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs for final approval before an AtoN installation or amendment is commenced.