Rent-a-transponder service for skippers runs out
New version of the waterways traffic regulation law comes into effect on 1 January 2012:
From 1 January 2012 inland navigation transponders will be obligatory in Austria. With the new version of the waterways traffic regulation law coming into effect with the change of the year, all vessels navigating on the Austrian stretch of the Danube as well as on the Traun and Enns rivers or the Danube Canal must be equipped with an Inland AIS transponder. The devices must comply with the regulations of the telecommunication law. The only vessels that are exempt from the mandatory transponder requirement are the pushed vessels of a pushed convoy, side-by-side couple formations of a coupled unit, non self-propelled ferries and small crafts.
Since 1 July 2008, commercial vessels navigating on the Austrian stretch of the Danube must be equipped with an AIS inland transponder. Skippers whose vessel is not equipped with a fully functional inland AIS transponder could contact partners of via donau to rent the device against a deposit of EUR 500. Rented devices have to be returned before 31 December 2011; the service will be discontinued.
Quelle: LogEastics
Portal: www.logistik-express.com