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19 March 2024

Dubai issues new marine club, marina rules

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By Staff

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.

It complements 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 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 while positioning Dubai as a first-class international maritime hub.

According to DMCA Executive Director Amer Ali, the new regulations form part of the Authority’s vision of creating a vibrant, secure and world-class maritime sector via the integration of maritime safety, operational efficiency and secure navigation. Ali explained 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 in line with the directives of the UAE leadership.

“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.

The resolution introduced by DMCA stipulates various requirements for the safe operation and environmental practices of all public and private marine clubs and marines in Dubai. These entities will be mandated to perform the necessary procedures to organize mooring areas, number sidewalks, separate recreational marine crafts from commercial types, and designate mooring zones for non-motorized 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 new regulatory 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 organizing maritime sports events or when foreign cruise ships enter local mooring areas.

In terms of the environment, the resolution stipulates the designation of safe areas for collecting waste from anchored marine vessels as well as the allocation of tanks for storing oil waste and oil-contaminated water. Marine vessels are also required to install dump lines in their septic systems and plug into shore power at berth. The placement of warning signs in marine clubs is also a must to help prevent water pollution in line with ongoing local efforts to create a clean and sustainable environment.

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. They will also have to make sure that all marine vessels and crew members are licensed by the Authority and have valid insurance and driving licenses applicable to multiple categories. Moreover, the resolution requires marine clubs and marinas to properly manage records of marine vessels and their respective crew members. It also prohibits the use of marine vessels categorized as recreational for commercial fishing; violations will be subject to fines and legal prosecution.