Bahrain Tidal Network

Introduction

Hydrographic Survey Directorate (HSD) has installed 12 Radar Tide Gauges around the Bahrain coastline to establish a tidal network, named as Bahrain Tidal Network (BTN). The aim of BTN is to provide continuous tidal readings and maintains a tidal records for various location to generate tidal prediction for measurements in ports & marinas, coastal areas & fisheries, dredging / reclamation construction projects and international maritime traffic routing.

History

The BTN Phase 1 commenced in the yar 2008 by establishing 3 pressure type tide gauges from YSI. The tide gauges were set up at HSD office Mina Salman, KBSP and Amwaj Marine. The data was transmitted through GRSM network and hosted on YSI website for viewing and downloading. The Phase II of the project consisted of establishing 3 radar type tide gauge at Reef Island, Saudi Causeway and Sitra coastguard Station.  The data was hosted by the SLRB server and the webhosting program was developed inhouse by the SLRB IT team. The earlier installed YSI stations were removed subsequently due to high maintenance costs. The Phase III of BTN consisted of establishing another 9 tide gauges across the coastline of Bahrain making it a total of 12 stations.   

Benefits of BTN

BTN provides continuous tidal readings at every 10 minutes interval, easily accessible through web-based user-friendly interface.  The Tide gauges are equipped with GPRS Modems for connectivity using Batelco Sims integrated with OTT netDL Data Logger, programmed to send tidal data to HSD’s web-based platform every 10 minutes round the clock. Thereby HSD has information of tide levels at any point of time. Thus the network provides:

• More coverage of Bahrain coast water in the aspect of tide and water level monitoring.

• web-based real-time & auto updated data without the need to travel to site location

• Ability to study the wave movement around the country and obtain statistics.

• Updating Data base and Nautical Chart publication

• Providing field survey with necessary tidal information for sounding calculations

Conclusion

The need for a tidal network is essential for Bahrain due to the rapid increase of construction projects in the country. It's important to record and study the tidal wave and the water flow rotation around the island that is affecting all aspects of maritime activities. The precise and accurate tidal readings will result in better predictions for a variety of locations around the kingdom. Establishing the first tidal web- based network in the gulf region in Bahrain is a valuable accomplishment for Bahrain's reputation as a gulf state, also a country member of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).