The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has issued a new resolution imposing further operational regulations and requirements on public and private marine clubs and marinas in Dubai.

The resolution will help in the creation of an integrated framework to ensure compliance with the highest standards of maritime safety and best international practices to promote the industry’s regional and global competiveness, said a statement.
 
Amer Ali, executive director, said that marine clubs, marinas and recreational marine vessels are integral to the growth of the local maritime sector which is regarded as a key pillar in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.

“Through the implementation of the recently launched resolution, we look forward to making a difference in the regulation of recreational marine vessels and local marinas in Dubai. This will have a positive impact on the emirate’s maritime sector and cement its position among the leading maritime destinations in the world,” Ali said.

Under the resolution, all public and private marine clubs and marines in Dubai will be mandated to perform the necessary procedures to organise mooring areas, number sidewalks, separate recreational marine crafts from commercial types, and designate mooring zones for non-motorised sailing boats in close proximity to designated maritime routes.

Captain Khamis Weld Gmeel, senior manager, Marine Traffic Operations, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: “The resolution requires that control towers oversee the movement of marine crafts along the Dubai coastline, and that upcoming fuel stations be located at the entrance of every marina and marine club in Dubai.

"It also mandates the development of workshops for boat maintenance, sales of safety and navigation tools, and proper supervision and monitoring of safety and firefighting systems installed on marine sidewalks.”

The guidelines enforce strict safety requirements on marine clubs and marinas and the proper licensing of marine vessels and crew members. It also requires the securing of all necessary approvals and permits from concerned authorities when organising maritime sports events or when foreign cruise ships enter local mooring areas.

It also requires the designation of safe areas for collecting waste from anchored marine vessels and the allocation of tanks for storing oil waste and oil-contaminated water.

In addition, marine clubs and marinas will be responsible for monitoring members at sea and communicate with them and inform them of all navigation circulars issued by the DMCA. It also prohibits the use of marine vessels categorised as recreational for commercial fishing; violations will be subject to fines and legal prosecution. - TradeArabia News Service