The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has issued the first ever marine driver’s license, at the ongoing Dubai International Boat Show 2013.

The license was presented to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, who validated it with his signature.

The initiative represents the first step in the implementation of the marine driving license issuance policy, which is in line with DMCA’s efforts towards regulating jet-ski usage under a clear framework that guarantees the highest levels of professionalism and maritime safety in Dubai, a statement from the authority said.

As part of its ongoing commitment to develop, organise and promote the maritime industry, DMCA revealed that it has succeeded in implementing the maritime buoyage system, which consists of 426 buoys, in collaboration with maritime stakeholders and leading relevant government bodies.

DMCA also closely coordinated with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police to ensure proper deployment of buoys according to the study approved by the Health and Safety Commission at the Dubai Executive Council, in a bid to meet common aspirations of improving safety standards within territorial waters.

The maritime buoyage system is based on organising maritime activities in beaches by allocating the first 50 to 100 meters of coastal waters for general swimming and the next 100 meters for light marine vessels which are less than 5 meters in length, and the next 100 meters considered as a buffer zone.

Furthermore, DMCA handed out the first edition of the Dubai Power Boat Handbook, which was drafted in collaboration with the Royal Yachting Association, in line with a clear vision aimed at developing guidance services, as well as highlighting the best ways to take advantage of safety and security applications and techniques when using different means of marine transportation.

Amer Ali, executive director, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: “Implementing the marine driving license issuance policy is of great importance in our efforts to regulate the jet-ski sport in Dubai according to the best international practices and the highest safety and security standards.”

“DMCA was keen on issuing the first marine driver’s license and presenting it to Sheikh Mohammed, in recognition of his patronage and wise guidance to promote the local maritime industry and establish Dubai as a leading global maritime hub.”

“During the first quarter we launched a series of leading marine initiatives, like the maritime buoyage system which aims to ensure the highest levels of maritime safety and creating a safe and integrated marine environment, to enhance Dubai’s reputation as a premier maritime hub,” Ali said.

“The Dubai Power boating Handbook is one of most important achievements during this year, particularly since it represents a significant part of our efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of safety equipments when using jet-skis, as well as encouraging compliance with instructions, guidelines, regulations, maneuverability and traffic rules, anchoring zones, marine activity areas, and taking preventive measures to avoid potential accidents.”

“In the following months we will continue the hard work and fruitful cooperation with our strategic partners and local government bodies in order to build a robust and safe maritime industry,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service