Mandatory transponder requirement for commercial vessels comes into force starting July 1st

danube.news

Vessels not carrying transponders after July 1st must be equipped with a portable transponder before entering the Austrian stretch of the Danube. The device, which can be rented before entering Austria, must be returned before leaving the Austrian section of the Danube.  

The portable transponder can be installed as well as dismounted at specified installation sites in the area of Passau and Bratislava following timely arrangement, in order to ensure that all commercial vessels on the Austrian Danube are equipped with AIS-Transponders.  

Vessels only travelling within the Austrian section of the Danube must contact via donau at least two weeks in advance in order to have their portable transponder installed in the preferred installation sites within the area of Vienna and Persenbeug.  

Along with the signing of a usage agreement and a cash deposit, the skipper must make sure that sufficient space and an appropriate uniform voltage is available on board his vessel as well as ensuring that two antenna cables can safely be lead through.  

The transponder must be switched on during the entire time the vessel is travelling on the Austrian stretch of the Danube and is to be returned at one of the issuing sites following timely arrangement, before exiting the Austrian Danube.  

For further information, please consult the DoRIS Web Site.  

Source: via donau  

Links: » http://www.doris.bmvit.gv.at