The United Nations (UN), via the International Maritime Organization (IMO), created World Maritime Day to celebrate the international maritime industry?s contribution towards the world?s economy, especially in shipping , to focus on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment. The event?s date varies by year and country but it is always on the last week of September. This year it is today.

On the eve of World Maritime Day , I would like to share with you a positive step taken by Dubai government i.e..licensing of marine craft in Dubai. As per the announcement today by Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)  , all marine craft will need to be registered , licensed and insured and failure to do so can lead to fines.

Boats, jet skis and all other marine craft commercial as well as personal will have to undergo annual technical testing and registration from this year.

This move is set to create a secure and vibrant maritime industry in line with the Dubai Maritime Sector Strategy (MSS) aimed at developing, regulating and promoting the industry to ultimately position Dubai as a first-class international maritime hub. Licensing of recreational, commercial, sports, tourism and traditional marine craft represents a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the highest levels of maritime safety, secure navigation and operational efficiency along the coastline.

The initiative also requires boat drivers and captains and crew to have a licence authorised by DMCA. The authority has authorised an institute to train boat operators and issue the licence.The licences will be issued and the boats will get a pass certificate after verifying their compliance with Dubai?s technical specifications, maritime safety systems and local environment-friendly requirements.

The new system also authorises DMCA to issue relevant resolutions and regulations governing nautical activities in territorial waters, including water craft refuelling, diving, rescue missions, marine trans-shipment and many more.

The fees for registration range from Dh300(USD 81) to Dh510(USD 138), depending on the size of the boat.

Source :Gulf News