Jet ski operators welcome New guidelines for safety

DUBAI: Jet ski operators have welcomed the latest move by Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) governing jet skis along Dubai’s coast.

Irina Anam, Partner of Ghantoot Water Sports, who currently operates in the Ghantoot area, said she might consider opportunities to extend her operations along the coast.

Suzy Dillon, General Manager of Nautica 1992 Boat Rentals, is also excited about DMCA’s new move.

“Of course, I will be more excited when I see my licence. But this is a good move by the authorities. Operators should also do their due diligence to ensure they adhere to all the guidelines and rules set out by DMCA,” she said.

Last month, DMCA issued new rules and guidelines regarding jet ski operations. As part of the new safety measures, 300-metre buffer zones have been imposed around three beaches at Dubai Marina, Umm Suqeim 1 and 2 and Jumeirah 2 and 3 to keep jet skis out of swimming areas.

DMCA is also taking stringent measures to conduct day and night patrols to ensure all guidelines are being enforced.

Guidelines set by DMCA for using jet ski

• Water sports activities can only be undertaken between sunrise and sunset.

• Life jacket must be worn at all times when in waters.

• Do not exceed the limit for number of passengers allowed onboard.

• Be aware of the traffic, take caution, respect speed limits and leave a safe distance from other watercrafts and floating objects.

• Do not attempt any activities in waterways or entrances and exits of marinas, ports and resting areas.

• Do not attempt any activities near restricted areas.

• Children below 16 years must be accompanied by a guardian.

• Do not attempt any activities near the shores marked by yellow buoys.

• Jet skis are allowed to stay at the resting areas for rest only, and must abide by the speed limits when entering and existing these areas.

At the end of April, 339 jet skis were registered with DMCA.

New website on coastal conditions

The Coastal Zone and Waterways Management under the Dubai Municipality has started a new website giving details of Dubai’s coastal conditions.

The site – www.dubaicoast.ae – carries details on the waves, currents, surface elevation, wind, oil spills and others for Dubai’s coast and the Arabian Gulf.

“Registered users can access free of charge graphical plots of the last 24 hours of monitored parameters as well as selected documentation and images,” said Alyaa Al Harmoodi, Head of Coastal Zone and Waterways Management Section ((CWMS) at the Municipality.

She added that the site is receiving around 8,000 visits monthly.

The CWMS is part of the Environment Department which is under the Health, Safety and Environment Control Sector of the Municipality. It oversees the sustainable development and the utilisation of Dubai’s coastal and marine environment.