Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has started assisting fishermen in the emirate in obtaining their marine craft driving licenses after completing the necessary requirements.

It is also offering offering training, guidance and technical consultation services to local fishermen, said a statement.

This is in line with DMCA’s continued commitment to develop the fishing industry and promote fishing in the country. Fishing, a profession inherited from their ancestors, has been an integral part of the rich Emirati heritage.

DMCA’s new initiatives are aimed at organising, developing and promoting all components of maritime clustering in the emirate to create an integrated environment that will enhance the sector’s contributions to the local economy.     

Amer Ali, executive director, DMCA, said: “We will continue with our efforts to attain more remarkable achievements in implementing marine licensing mechanisms, which are an essential part of meeting the grand objectives of the Dubai Maritime Sector Strategy (MSS).

“The MSS is aimed at improving the competitiveness of the local maritime sector and consolidating Dubai’s status as one of the region’s and the world’s most prominent maritime hubs in line with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.”

DMCA also announced the implementation of mandatory marine craft driving license in Dubai in January next year, said the statement.

The initiative is a major stride towards upgrading the local maritime sector given the significance of the marine licensing policy, it said.

The policy provides an integrated regulatory framework to ensure maritime safety, secure navigation, and efficient operations in the country’s waters to reinforce Dubai’s position as a world-class maritime centre.

Adel Kalantar, director - Registration and Licensing, DMCA, said: “Through our quality initiatives such as training and assistance programmes for fishermen, the ‘Exam in Your Office’ service, and mandatory marine license, we aim to achieve a big leap in implementing necessary measures to create an integrated, safe and sustainable marine environment capable of responding effectively to market changes.

“Additionally, the marine environment must be able to keep pace with emerging trends, attract regional and international investors, and strengthen Dubai’s strategic position on the global maritime map.”

Earlier this year, DMCA launched its ‘Exam in Your Office’ service to enable people to quickly and easily obtain their marine driving licenses without coming to the authority’s offices. - TradeArabia News Service