Dubai: The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has started offering training, guidance and technical consultation services to local fishermen in Dubai and is helping them obtain their marine craft driving licences.
The authority has announced that marine craft driving licences will be mandatory in Dubai from January 2015, and has issued 1,200 marine driving licences so far this year besides organising an intensive training programme for fishermen.
Fishing is an integral part of the Emirati heritage.
DMCA’s new initiatives are aimed at organising, developing and promoting all components of the maritime sector, including the fishing industry, in an integrated manner that will enhance the sector’s contribution to the local economy.
The initiative is a major step in terms of upgrading the local maritime sector. The marine licensing policy provides a regulatory framework to ensure maritime safety, secure navigation, and efficient operations in the country’s waters.
Adel Kalantar, Director - Registration and Licensing, DMCA, pointed out that the marine environment must be able to keep pace with emerging trends, attract regional and international investors, and strengthen Dubai’s strategic position on the global maritime map.
“Through our quality initiatives such as training and assistance programmes for fishermen, the ‘Exam in Your Office’ service, and mandatory marine licence, we aim to achieve a big leap in implementing necessary measures to create an integrated, safe and sustainable marine environment capable of responding effectively to market changes,” Kalantar said.
Earlier this year, DMCA launched its ‘Exam in Your Office’ service to enable people to quickly and easily obtain their marine driving licences without having to visit the Authority’s offices. Applicants can contact DMCA’s customer service centre at 8004806 to enquire about and avail themselves of the service.
