February 10, 2014
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector, has held a brainstorming session for its operating teams focused on the Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2013 on the Implementing Regulations (IR) of Resolution No. 11 of 2010 governing the licensing of marine crafts in the emirate of Dubai.
The session was organized to review all clauses of the IR, including achievements, challenges and requirements, such as the launching of Maritime Licensing Service and Maritime Driver License; proposing and discussing suggestions for future recommendations; and developing more creative initiatives to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the various areas of Dubai’s maritime sector.
Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA, said: “It is important for us to maintain the creative spirit and consider modern frameworks for promoting DMCA services to achieve the highest levels of satisfaction from people involved in Dubai’s maritime sector. We will, therefore, rely on brainstorming to explore ideas and come up with suggestions for the Authority to consider.”
“The Executive Council Resolution on licensing maritime crafts in Dubai is part of the Authority's efforts to create a vibrant and secure local maritime sector. It will complete the maritime strategic plan for developing, organizing and supporting the local maritime sector and strengthen Dubai's position as a first-class international marine hub. We regularly strive to review all IR clauses of this Resolution and present necessary suggestions because licensing services of recreational and commercial maritime crafts and sport and recreational and traditional boats in local waters is an integral part of the maritime framework. The resolution will also ensure integrity between all aspects of maritime safety and operational efficiency throughout the shores of Dubai,” added Ali.
The IR in Dubai is an important part of serious efforts to develop and issue regulations and maritime initiatives. It will deal with the increasing changes in the maritime sector at both regional and international levels. The IR on licensing maritime crafts in Dubai embodies the strategic goals for the sector which are integral to Dubai’s development plan. This plan covers organizing, developing and promoting the maritime sector based on the highest standards of collaboration, excellence and innovation in leadership, customer service, and the promotion of human resources. This will go a strong way to supporting effort to create a maritime sector capable of increasing economic sustainability and enhancing excellence and leadership.
Article no. 3 of the IR divides maritime crafts into three main categories: commercial maritime crafts, recreational maritime crafts, and traditional wooden crafts. The IR contains licensing procedures which include of the submission of a maritime licensing form to the Authority, an original copy of the maritime craft manufacturing certificate, a copy of valid certificate for passing the technical test, a copy of the maritime craft title deed, a copy of the certificate of clearance from the country of origin of a second-hand maritime craft, an original copy of the custom clearance certificate from the concerned authorities from the country of origin of imported vessels, and other papers and documents detailed in the IR.
The IR also states the rules, terms and requirements for licensing marine clubs and marinas authorized to train and qualify those wishing to obtain a maritime driving license. The IR bans the driving of any watercraft without a valid maritime driving license authorizing its holder to use the craft. The IR specifies categories of maritime driving licenses and terms for obtaining, extending, renewing and replacing a maritime driving license. It also provides guidelines for driving permits and the terms to obtain, extend and renew them as well as international maritime driving licenses.