Another Texas health care worker tests positive to Ebola

Oh no! Sad for this hospital. A second health care worker at the Texas Presbyterian Hospital has tested positive to Ebola, a few days after a nurse, Nina Pham, tested positive. The new case is also one of those who attended to late Thomas Eric Duncan, the Liberian who took Ebola to America.

Confirming the 2nd diagnoses, the US Center for Disease Control and prevention said in a statement 

"A second healthcare worker at Texas Presbyterian Hospital who provided care for the index patient has tested positive for Ebola according to preliminary test performed overnight by the Texas Department of State Health Services Laboratory".

Customer Service Complaint Website Launches in Nigeria...

So imagine you have just experienced a fantastic or horrible customer service. You wonder - What can I really do? Tell the Supervisor or the Manager? Rant to my friends and family members? Post a DP message? Simply ignore?

Rather than just tell your friends and family about that fantastic or horrible service, simply log on towww.reportam.com.ng and post your report for all to see.

Reportam.com.ng is your number 1 platform to report good and bad services received from companies in Nigeria.

It is very simple and easy to use; log on to the website www.reportam.com.ng and share your experience giving details of the organisation. Reportam.com.ng will publish your complaint for the world to hear about it.

The great thing about reportam.com.ng is that it’s not just a ‘venting’ website, but it is designed to ensure that your experience (good or bad) is made known to the company. The company will also have an opportunity to resolve your issue, post their response and their part of the story,and if you are lucky, you may get compensated.

Nigerians! You can actually start holding organisations and companies to account, to take responsibility for their goods and services! 

As we continue to report good or bad services on reportam.com.ng,Companies will no doubt hear us and respond to us. It’s time we begin to use the power of the internet and social media to improve customer service experience in Nigeria, because we deserve it!

Experienced an outstandingly good service? ……………Reportam!

Experienced a terrible customer service? ………………Reportam!

Also, you stand a chance of winning Movie Tickets of your choice for 2 by registering today on www.reportam.com.ng

www.reportam.com.ng – Changing the face of customer service in Nigeria, one report at a time!

Like us on Facebook.com/ReportamNG

Follow us on Twitter: @reportamNG    #reportamNG

YouTube Channel: ReportamNG

BBM Channel: C00191596

Reportam Video: Good Taxi Service  Reportam Video: Bad service at Restaurant

www.reportam.com.ng – Changing the face of customer service in Nigeria, one report at a time!

Like us on Facebook.com/ReportamNG

Follow us on Twitter: @reportamNG    #reportamNG

YouTube Channel: ReportamNG

BBM Channel: C00191596

Fake University agent sentenced to 9 years in prison

Find the EFCC press release below...

Justice Dije Abdu Aboki of Kano State High Court on Friday Oct. 10, 2014 convicted and sentenced one Abdul Auwal Yahaya to nine and half years imprisonment without option of fine on six count charges bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretense and forgery.

The convict was arraigned on November 18, 2013 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Aboki for allegedly conniving with one Bashir Ahmed Haruna (already convicted) and obtaining the sum N2, 027,000 (Two Million, twenty seven thousand) under the pretext that he is an agent of Future University, Cairo and was capable of securing admission into the institution for the children of the complainant.

 The convict is to serve seven years imprisonment on count two while in respect of counts one, three, four, five and six, he is to serve six months imprisonment each. The convict was also ordered to pay the sum of N2, 027,000 in restitution to the complainant.

The sentences shall run concurrently and will start from the date of arraignment.

Singer Alicia Keys leads #BringBackOurGirls rally in NYC

To commemorate the 6th month of the abduction of Chibok Girls in Borno state on April 14th, US singer Alicia Keys led other women to the United Nations Headquarters in New York where they called for continued efforts towards the release of the abducted girls. Alicia Keys said it is important everyone keeps talking about the issue until it is resolved because humans have the tendency to move on quickly...

Business Set Up In Dubai

Business Set Up In Dubai

We often get asked about how to set up or open a business in Dubai at our events or on the forum- here we take a closer look at how you can set up a business in Dubai- whether you are looking at a public, LLC or a Freezone option.

Business Set Up Overview

In the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates as well as the Federal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create an environment which is well ordered without being unduly restrictive. As a result, Dubai offers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal and attractive in the region.

There are many options open to international companies seeking to establish a business relationship with Dubai. Apart from forming a trading relationship, many companies find that there are distinct advantages in having an on-the-spot presence in order to research market prospects, make contacts, liaise with customers, and see through the details of any transactions and orders secured.Having such a presence can provide considerable business advantages in the Middle East. 

Businessmen in the region prefer to deal with someone they know and trust and personal relationships are much more important in doing business in the Arab world than they are in western Europe or America. Also, the buying patterns of some countries served by Dubai tend to be unpredictable, creating a need for first class market intelligence and information. Dubai offers foreign companies a wide choice of business options, including:

• Direct trade - selling directly to established dealers and distributors
• Commercial agency arrangements - appointee must be a UAE national or company; agreement to be registered with Ministry of Economy and Commerce
• Branch or representative office - 100% foreign ownership permitted; local agent (sponsor) must be appointed; Economic Development Department licence required
• Limited liability company - foreign ownership restricted to 49%; Economic Development Department licence required
• Special free zone investment incentives.

Licensing
The basic requirement for all business activity in Dubai is one of the following three categories of licences:

Commercial licences covering all kinds of trading activity;
Professional licences covering professions, services, craftsmen and artisans;
Industrial licences for establishing industrial or manufacturing activity.

These licences are issued by the Dubai Economic Development Department (with the exception of licences for hotels and other tourism-related businesses which are issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.) Also, licences for some categories of business require approval from certain ministries and other authorities: for example, banks and financial institutions from the Central Bank of the UAE; insurance companies and related agencies from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce; manufacturing from the Ministry of Finance and Industry; and pharmaceutical and medical products from the Ministry of Health. More detailed procedures apply to businesses engaged in oil or gas production and related industries.In general, all commercial and industrial businesses in Dubai should be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

Ownership Requirements
Fifty-one per cent participation by UAE nationals is the general requirement for all UAE established companies except:

• Where the law requires 100% local ownership
• In the Jebel Ali and Airport Free Zones
• In activities open to 100% AGCC ownership
• Where wholly owned AGCC companies enter into partnership with UAE nationals
• In respect of foreign companies registering branches or a representative office in Dubai
• In professional or artisan companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted.

Legal structures of Business
Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the Commercial Companies Law - and its by-laws govern the operations of foreign business. In broad terms the provisions of these regulations are as follows:The Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organisation which can be established in the UAE. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies. The seven categories of business organisation defined by the Law are:

• General partnership company
• Partnership-en-commendam
• Joint venture company
• Public shareholding company
• Private shareholding company
• Limited liability company
• Share partnership company

Partnerships
General partnership companies are limited to UAE nationals only. The Dubai government does not presently encourage the establishment of partnership-en-commendam and share partnership companies.

Joint Venture Companies
A joint venture is a contractual agreement between a foreign party and a local party licensed to engage in the desired activity. The local equity participation in the joint venture must be at least 51%, but the profit and loss distribution can be prescribed. There is no need to license the joint venture or publish the agreement. The foreign partner deals with third parties under the name of the local partner who (unless the agreement is publicised) bears all liability. In practice, joint ventures are seen as offering a suitable structure for companies working together on specific projects.

Public and Private Shareholding Companies
The Law stipulates that companies engaging in banking, insurance, or financial activities should be run as public shareholding companies. Foreign banks, insurance and financial companies, however, can establish a presence in Dubai by opening a branch or representative office.

Shareholding companies are suitable primarily for large projects or operations, since the minimum capital required is Dh. 10 million (US$ 2.725 million) for a public company, and Dh. 2 million (US$ 0.545 million) for a private shareholding company. The chairman and majority of directors must be UAE nationals and there is less flexibility of profit distribution than is permissible in the case of limited liability companies. 

Limited Liability Companies
A limited liability company can be formed by a minimum of two and a maximum of 50 persons whose liability is limited to their shares in the company's capital. Such companies are recognised as offering a suitable structure for organisations interested in developing a long term relationship in the local market.

In Dubai, the minimum capital is currently Dh. 300,000 (US$ 82,000), contributed in cash or in kind. While foreign equity in the company may not exceed 49%, profit and loss distribution can be prescribed. Responsibility for the management of a limited liability company can be vested in the foreor national partners or a third party. The following steps are required in establishing a limited liability company in Dubai.

• Select a commercial name for the company and have it approved by the Licensing Department of the Economic Development Department
• Draw up the company's Memorandum of Association and have it notarised by a Notary Public in the Dubai Court
• Seek approval from the Economic Development Department and apply for entry in the Commercial Register
• Once approval is granted, the company will be entered in the Commercial Register and have its Memorandum of Association published in the Ministry of Economy and Commerce's Bulletin. The licence will then be issued by the Economic Development Department
• The company should then be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Companies
The Commercial Companies Law covers the formation and regulation of branches and representative offices of foreign companies in the UAE and stipulates that they may be 100% foreign owned, provided a local agent is appointed.Only UAE nationals or companies 100% owned by UAE nationals may be appointed as local agents (which should not be confused with the term commercial agent). Local agents - also often referred to as sponsors - are not involved in the operations of the company but assist in obtaining visas, labour cards, etc and are paid a lump sum and/or a percentage of profits or turnover. To establish a branch or representative office in Dubai, a foreign company should proceed as follows:

• Apply for a licence from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, submitting an agency agreement with a UAE national or 100% UAE owned company. Before issuing the licence, the Ministry will:
• forward the application to the Economic Development Department to obtain the approval of the Dubai government;
• forward the application specifying the activity that the office or branch will be authorised to undertake in the UAE, to the Federal Foreign Companies Committee for approval;
• Once this has been done, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce will issue the required Ministerial licence specifying the activity to be practised by the foreign company;
• The branch or office should be entered in the Economic Development Department's Commercial Register, and the required licence will be issued;
• The branch or office should also be entered in the Foreign Companies Register of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce;
• Finally, the branch or office should be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Professional Firms
In setting up a professional firm, 100% foreign ownership, sole proprietorships or civil companies are permitted. Such firms may engage in professional or artisan activities but the number of staff members that may be employed is limited. A UAE national must be appointed as local service agent, but he has no direct involvement in the business and is paid a lump sum and/or percentage of profits or turnover. The role of the local service agent is to assist in obtaining licences, visas, labour cards, etc.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Airport Free Zone have been set up with the specific purpose of facilitating investment. Accordingly, the procedures for investing in the zones are relatively simple.While the free zones are designed to complement and contribute to Dubai's growth and development, their legal status is quite distinct. 

Companies operating there are treated as being offshore, or outside the UAE for legal purposes.The option of setting up in the free zones is therefore most suitable for companies intending to use Dubai as a regional manufacturing or distribution base and where most or all of their turnover is going to be outside the UAE.

Free Zone Incentives

• 100% foreign ownership
• Exemption from all import duties
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Freedom from corporate taxation, as applied throughout Dubai, with the added bonus of a renewable 15 year guarantee in the free zone
• Abundant inexpensive energy
• Simple and efficient recruitment procedures ensuring the availability of a competitive skilled and experienced workforce
• A high level of administrative support from the free zone authorities.

Licenses
Companies approved for operation in Jebel Ali Free Zone or Dubai Airport Free Zone, are granted one of the following types of licences: Trading; Industrial; Service; or National Industrial. These licences are renewable annually for as long as the company holds a valid lease from either of the Free Zones.Trading licences will be granted to companies holding a valid licence issued by the Dubai Economic Development Department or an equivalent authority in the UAE, and to companies incorporated outside the UAE. In each case, the permitted activities on the Free Zone licence must conform to those on the existing licence. Trading licences are also issued to Free Zone Establishments (FZE)

Industrial licences are issued to companies incorporated outside the UAE and to Free Zone Establishments
Service licences are only granted to companies holding a valid UAE licence

National Industrial licences are issued to industrial companies registered within or outside the UAE, provided they meet the conditions of having at least 51% AGCC equity and their local production accounting for at least 40% value added. Such companies must obtain provisional approval from the UAE Ministry of Finance and Industry. A National Industrial licence grants its holder the same rights as those of national and other AGCC companies, and products exported to AGCC states will be exempted from custom duties.

If a company wishes to practise more than one of the above mentioned activities, it must obtain a separate licence for each category of activity.Companies holding a Free Zone licence are permitted to operate in the Jebel Ali or Dubai Airport Free Zones and outside the UAE. Operation within the UAE can be undertaken either by a commercial agent, representative, distributor, or the mother company licensed by the relevant UAE authority. Any company holding a Free Zone licence can itself purchase goods or services within the UAE.

Setting up a branch of a foreign company
Any company wishing to set up a project in the Free Zones must first complete a simple questionnaire. From the information provided, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority or Department of Civil Aviation can make a first assessment of whether the company's needs can be met.After consideration of this questionnaire, the company will be provided with:

• a licence application including an appendix with details of the documents required concerning the company's legal status
• a proforma of information required for planning, and
• a consumer request for electricity supply.

On receipt of these documents, the Free Zone authorities will consider the proposal. If provisional approval is given, the company will be asked to prepare and submit the documents called for in the appendix to the licence application.After the checking of these documents, a meeting will be called to discuss and finalise the project details. If everything is satisfactory, the Free Zone authorities will issue conditional approval for the project. Thereafter, a lease agreement and, if required, a personnel secondment agreement will be prepared by the Free Zone authorities for signature by the company.

At the time of signing, the applicant will be required to provide the insurance policies called for in the agreements and should pay the agreed rental and licence fees prior to collection of the licence.If the company wishes the Free Zone authorities to sponsor employees on its behalf, applications for entry permits may be submitted once the licence has been issued. The bank guarantee called for in the personnel secondment agreement will be required at this stage together with visa charges.If the company's project involves the erection of a structure, detailed plans must be submitted after the lease has been signed. When the plans have been agreed, a building permit will be issued. 

Administrative work, such as importing equipment or engaging labour for installation of equipment, may proceed in parallel with construction work. But application for entry permits for operatives to be sponsored by the Free Zone authorities will not normally be accepted until a completion certificate for the construction has been issued.

Setting up a free zone Establishment
A Free Zone Establishment - or FZE - is an establishment formed and registered within the Free Zones and regulated solely by the Free Zone authorities.Such establishments must have a capital of at least Dh.1 million and liability will be limited to the amount of paid-up capital. A FZE need only have a single shareholder and is an independent legal entity.Any company, organisation or individual wishing to form a Free Zone Establishment must submit a completed application to the Free Zone authorities. A decision on whether permission has been granted will be given within 30 days of receipt of the application and any other information and documentation required.If permission is granted, the authorities will record all relevant details in the FZE Register and issue a Certificate of Formation. This will specify the date of registration after which the FZE will be free to conduct any such business as is permitted in its licence.

Key Free Zones in Dubai
Dubai Airport Free Zone
Dubai Auto Zone
Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park
Dubai Flower Centre
Dubai Gold and Diamond Park
Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Knowledge Village
Dubai Logistics City
Dubai Maritime City
Dubai Media City
Dubai Multi Commodity Centre
Dubai Outsource Zone
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Studio City
Dubai Sports City 
Enpark 
International Humanitarian City
International Media Production Zone
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Techno Park
JLT Free Zone

Mobile Apps That Earn You Real Money & Rewards

How much do you pay for apps on your iOS or Android device? Do you know that you can earn real cash and rewards from using certain apps? Granted that you will have to work for it by carrying out tasks like grocery shopping or checking out a new line of clothing, watching trailers, taking photos, and meeting new people. Sound interesting?

Then, you really should check out these 10 apps that will earn you real cash and rewards (gift cards and redeemables). We’ve split the tasks from the rewards to help you figure out which app to try out first., but something tells us that you’d probably be checking all of them out. Some even help you to get in shape and to do your part for charity.

1. Field Agent
What to do: You turn into a field agent for some field work, carrying out small missions in your neighborhood. You’ll get instructions of what to do and where to go, places like your local shopping mall, grocery store, or any landmark. The jobs must be completed within 2 hours, and is on a first come, first served.

What you get: Each job is worth between $2 and $12 (paid via PayPal).

Platform: iOS

2. CheckPoints
What to do: You can earn points for checking in to a grocery store, cafe or shopping mall, scanning the items that you buy during these errands or even when you recommend a friend to join CheckPoints.

What you get: The earned points can then be redeemed for rewards like Amazon.com and Walmart gift cards, games, cool gadgets and more.

Platform: iOS | Android

3. EasyShift
What to do: Complete simple assignments (Shifts) such as taking photos, giving an opinion, or recording the price of a product. After you complete several tasks, you will be promoted and will then be able to unlock higher-paying assignments and other valuable perks.

What you get: Payments will be made via PayPal and can be processed within 48 hours.

Platform: iOS

4. App Trailers
What to do: Preview trailers about apps and earn points while you’re at it. Help the app makers improve their app trailers by sharing honest opinions about what they need to add to complete the trailer.

What you get: You get paid half a cent for each video you watch. For trying out a demo (of an app), you can get paid between 9 cents to a dollar. Joining via a friend’s referral code may give you a head start of 50 points.

Platform: iOS | Android

5. Iconzoomer
What to do: Take photos of what is asked in your assignment: your lunch, your drink, or the shoes you are wearing, and earn money for each snap. Share a comment about the snapshot (if you got a feedback you want the manufacturer the know, this is your chance), and that’s it.

What you get: Earn money for each completed assignment via PayPal or get free merchandize. There is also the option to donate to charity via Unicef.

Platform: iOS | Android

6. GymPact
What to do: Exercise at the gym and earn money. Seriously! Once you’ve made a week-long pact on GymPact, you get paid for every day you go, and you have to pay for every day you skip. Those who get to the gym to exercise get to claim their monies from those who didn’t!

What you get: You’re getting $0.50 to $0.75 per workout which must lasts a minimum of 30 minutes. And you get to follow your exercise regime, and keep fit and healthy.

Platform: iOS

7. Gigwalk
What to do: Be a Gigwalker and run special assignments for clients at a preset price. You could be asked to take photos of a place, hand out fliers, check out a new bistro or a new product, or even become a mystery shopper. You essentially become your clients’ eyes and ears simply by being at the right place and the right time.

What you get: Get paid from $10 to $15 an hour.

Platform: iOS

8. Shopkick
What to do: If you are a heavy shopper and love trends and bargains, earn ‘kicks’ just by being yourself with Shopkick. Find participating shopping places that allow you to earn kicks with every walk-in and/or purchase and you will be able to redeem rewards with the ‘kicks’.

What you get: You get a first look at items at the store (while earning extra ‘kicks’) even before an actual walk-in. Use your ‘kicks’ to unlock gift cards and products you can redeem.

Platform: iOS | Android

9. ESPN Streak For The Cash
What to do: Think you know your sports team? Then name your predictions for each game and make sure you get the longest winning streak of the month. To make it tougher, you have to make the call for 10 different sports and maintain your streak.

What you get: The longest winning streak for a team or a player will win a monthly grand prize of $50,000.

Platform: iOS | Android

10. Phewtick
What to do: Get Phewtick on your phone, meet up with someone, scan a QR Code and voila, get paid just for meeting people.

What you get: Earn points that you can cash out, or donate to Unicef or the Red Cross. And meeting new people for work or leisure.

Platform: iOS | Android

More Apps!
Here are 7 more apps where you can earn money just by answering surveys, watching videos, downloading free apps among others.

Cash King: You earn money for downloading and trying out free apps (including new games), watching videos or completing surveys. Get paid via PayPal or receive Amazon.com gift cards in return.

Platform: Android

Get Paid to Play!: Watch some video ads, download and play some new games, and register on websites to get paid. You can withdraw your payment from PayPal.

Platform: Android

NPolls: Share your opinions by answering polls. Topics may cover politics, sports, social trends, lifestyle, brands and more. You are paid usually around 20 cents per survey.

Platform: iOS | Android

Mobile Rewards: Sign up for a free service, watch a Youtube video, or mention a product on your Facebook Wall. Earn credits that can be redeemed in cash via PayPal. Use a referral link and you can earn 100 credits for every friend who signs up, plus 10% of their earnings.

Platform: iOS

JunoWallet: Play games, watch videos, complete surveys and invite tons of your friends to join JunoWallet. A variety of rewards via Invites (3 levels) which can come as giftcards for games, pizza, coffee, movie tickets and more.

Platform: iOS | Android

Earn Money: Download free or paid apps, register to free or paid websites, or watch ads to earn points that can be accumulated and turned into cash. Payment is done via PayPal.

Platform: Android

Thumbspeak: Answer questions in polls and surveys and get paid for your opinion. Get paid via PayPal or cash in on gift cards.

Platform: iOS
http://www.bubblews.com/news/2864493-ten10-mobile-apps-that-earn-you-real-money-amp-rewards

Missing Malaysia Airline MH370 latest: Search ship picks up 'ping'... Signal in southern Indian Ocean

A Chinese patrol ship hunting for a missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner detected a pulse signal in the south Indian Ocean on Saturday, the state news agency Xinhua reported, in a possible indicator of the underwater beacon from a plane's "black box".

A black box detector deployed by the vessel Haixun 01 picked up the "ping" signal at around 25 degrees south latitude and 101 degrees east longitude, according to Xinhua.

It has not been established whether the ping is related to Flight MH370, which went missing four weeks ago with 239 people aboard shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing.

Xinhua further said a Chinese air force plane spotted a number of white floating objects in the search area.

Australian search authorities also said they had yet to verify whether the pulse signal was related to MH370.

Malaysia said earlier on Saturday it had begun a formal investigation into the jet's March 8 disappearance that would comprise experts from around the world, while the huge hunt for the Boeing 777 airliner intensified in the Indian Ocean.

Normally, a formal air safety investigation is not launched until wreckage is found. But there have been concerns that Malaysia's informal investigations to date have lacked the legal standing of an official inquiry convened under UN rules.

Authorities have not ruled out mechanical problems as a cause but say the evidence, including the loss of communications, suggests Flight MH370 was deliberately diverted thousands of kilometres (miles) from its scheduled route.

Defence and acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told a news conference that Australia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom and France had agreed to send representatives to take part in the investigation.

The extensive search and rescue operation has so far included assets from around 26 countries.

Under International Civil Aviation Organisation rules, the country where the aircraft is registered leads the investigation when the incident takes place in international waters.

10 military planes, three civilian jets and 11 ships

Four weeks after the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines jetliner, searchers on Saturday launched the most intensive hunt yet in the southern Indian Ocean, trying to find the plane's black box recorders before their batteries run out.

Up to 10 military planes, three civilian jets and 11 ships will scour a 217,000-sq-km (88,000-sq-mile) patch of desolate ocean some 1,700 km (1,060 miles) northwest of Perth near where investigators believe the plane went down on March 8 with the loss of all 239 people on board.

"If we haven't found anything in six weeks we will continue because there are a lot of things in the aircraft that will float," Retired Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, the head of the Australian agency coordinating the operation, told reporters.

"Eventually I think something will be found that will help us narrow the search area."

Authorities have not ruled out mechanical problems as a cause but say the evidence, including the loss of communications, suggests Flight MH370 was deliberately diverted thousands of kilometres from its scheduled route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Dozens of flights by a multinational taskforce have so far failed to turn up any trace of the plane, and investigators concede the task has been made more difficult by the lack of data.

Read: US military has spent $3.3m on search: Pentagon

The Boeing 777 was briefly picked up on military radar on the other side of Malaysia and analysis of subsequent hourly electronic "handshakes" exchanged with a satellite led investigators to conclude the plane crashed far off the west Australian coast hours later.

Sonar Search

Sonar equipment on two ships joining the search may help find the plane's black box voice and data recorders that are key to unlocking what happened on the flight. The black box is equipped with a locator beacon that transmits "pings" when underwater, but its batteries may only last 30 days.

Australian authorities said the so-called Towed Pinger Locator will be pulled behind navy ship HMAS Ocean Shield, searching a converging course on a 240-km (150-mile) track with British hydrographic survey ship HMS Echo.

Experts have warned the Towed Pinger Locator may be of little use unless investigators can get a much better idea of exactly where the plane went into the water, because its limited range and the slow speed at which it must be pulled behind the ship mean it cannot cover large areas of ocean quickly.

"I won't even call it an area. What we are doing is we are tracking down the best estimate of the course that the aircraft was on," US Navy Captain Mark Matthews told Reuters. "It takes a couple of days on each leg so it’s a slow-going search."

Read: Malaysia may sue 'false' MH370 media reports

Britain is also sending HMS Tireless, a Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine with sonar capabilities, and a Malaysian frigate was due to arrive in the search area on Saturday.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his Australian counterpart, Tony Abbott, this week toured RAAF Base Pearce, near Perth, from where aircrews seven countries have been operating.

"The world expects us to do our level best, and I'm very confident we will indeed show what we can do together as a group of nations; that we want to find answers, that we want to provide comfort to the families and we will not rest until answers are indeed found," Najib said.
Malaysian authorities have faced heavy criticism, particularly from China, for mismanaging the search and holding back information. Most of the 227 passengers were Chinese.