Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector, is set to implement the mandatory regulation to get marine craft driving license from January 1.

The move is in line with the authority’s efforts to organise the work of the various maritime crafts, based on a clear framework that will ensure the creation of a safe and sustainable maritime sector in Dubai, said a statement.

The number of marine craft driving licenses issued by DMCA has reached 1,400 to date, according to official figures.

It reflects the increasing confidence in maritime driving license policy of the commercial ships, conventional boats and leisure crafts as a fundamental pillar to provide an integrated regulatory framework to promote the local maritime sector and put Dubai at par with the world's leading maritime centres.

Amer Ali, executive director, DMCA, said: “Regulating and developing the local maritime sector is a top priority for DMCA, which is why we regularly introduce regulations and legislations to address local requirements in line with best international practices.

“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.”

“The DMCA remains committed in implementing the mandatory marine craft driving license service in Dubai. Having launched the resolution for marine craft licensing in 2013, we worked towards presenting this to the public in a gradual approach to achieve an increased awareness and to highlight the importance of obtaining the license,” said Ali.

All local marine crafts are mandated to register and license their crew to comply with DMCA’s Resolution No. 2 of 2013, which represents the DMCA’s continued commitment in promoting maritime safety across local, regional and international waters, said the statement.

The new regulation also falls in line with the authority’s efforts to organise and classify UAE marine crafts and has also been designed to offer a more comprehensive regulatory platform that will help ensure maritime safety, secure navigation and operational efficiency along the UAE coastline—thereby reinforcing Dubai’s leading position as a first class international maritime hub.

Adel Kalantar, director - Registration and Licensing, DMCA, said: “The application of Resolution No. 2 of 2013 requires licensing for crew on personal, business, sports, tourism and recreational marine crafts, including small and large-sized leisure craft, commercial marine vessels and traditional wooden dhows.

“It is prohibited to use any marine craft within Dubai’s territorial waters unless he/she holds a certified driving license 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, said the statement.

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 equipments for safety, first-aid, public safety, fire fighting and water pollution, it added. - TradeArabia News Service