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Get your driving licence before starting boat

Dubai Maritime authority passes law to ensure safety of people at sea

Dubai: Starting on New Year’s Day, no more cruising on the high seas in private yachts/ boats/ dhows/ abras without a marine craft driving licence, ruled the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA). The move aimed at regulating the local maritime sector will also ensure a safe maritime environment.

The DMCA has issued 1,400 licences to date. Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA, said: “The application of Resolution No. 2 of 2013 for marine crew licensing reaffirms the efforts aimed at integrating all aspects of maritime safety and operational efficiency across local waters, in cooperation with the parties concerned.”

All local marine crafts are mandated to register and license their crew to comply with the DMCA resolution. The new regulation seeks to ensure maritime safety, secure navigation and operational efficiency along the UAE coastline.

The application of the resolution requires licensing of crew on personal, business, sports, tourism and recreational marine craft, including small and large-sized leisure craft, commercial marine vessels and traditional wooden dhows.

Adel Kalantar, Director - Registration and Licensing, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: “It is prohibited to use any marine craft within Dubai’s territorial waters unless he/she holds a certified driving licence from Dubai Maritime City Authority.”

All applicants must be medically fit and have the theoretical, practical knowledge and expertise to drive light marine vessels, abras and leisure crafts. Crew members on commercial and traditional wooden dhows must be completely familiar with the marine radar and communication systems and navigation maps, in addition to being able to use the various equipment for safety, first-aid, public safety, fire fighting and water pollution.

news@khaleejtimes.com