DMCA discusses maritime security and safety rules with Dubai Police

Dubai: Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) on Saturday announced that it recently held discussions with the Dubai Police Department to develop new strategies and regulations for security and maritime safety, training and registration of vessels; and marine driving licences; increasingly critical functions as Dubai transitions into an international maritime hub.

DCMA officials recently met with Brigadier Abdul Jalil Mahdi, deputy director-general of the Dubai Police Department of Preventive Security, within the framework of strengthening cooperation with local government and regulatory bodies.

They discussed the possibility of Dubai Police participating in discussions relating to the preparation of maritime laws and registrations in Dubai, which are under the direct responsibility of DMCA.

During the meeting, DMCA, under its newly launched entity 'Raseina', emphasised its commitment to cooperate with Dubai Police and also announced that DMCA will unveil new measures and regulations beginning next month aimed at further improving the maritime sector.

The new initiatives and services are in line with DMCA's objective of expediting and streamlining the registration and licensing processes in the UAE maritime sector.

Concrete steps

"Dubai Maritime City Authority is taking concrete steps to enhance the delivery of maritime services and consolidate Dubai's reputation as a centre for maritime excellence. The establishment of the Marine Registration and Licensing Department is one of the key initiatives that will help us attain our objectives.

"This new department will serve as a convenient and efficient platform to facilitate licensing and registration procedures as well as other maritime-related activities," Amer Ali, CEO of DMCA said in a statement.

The Emirates International Maritime Academy was established to train operators of ships and yachts. In addition, discussions were held on the issuing of maritime operator licences and an appropriate action plan for this activity.

DMCA will cooperate with Dubai Police in training concerned personnel and informing them of the licensing procedures and related issues.