UAE | General
'No single body' to monitor dhow safety in UAE
The capsizing of a cruise boat in Bahrain that killed 57 passengers on Friday has raised concerns about the safety of boat trips offered here but tourism companies say they follow strict safety measures.
- By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 April 2, 2006
Dubai: The capsizing of a cruise boat in Bahrain that killed 57 passengers on Friday has raised concerns about the safety of boat trips offered here but tourism companies say they follow strict safety measures.
Gulf News, however, found several official entities monitor the dhow cruise industry, which carries its own inherent risks.
"There is no single body to control passenger dhow operations on Dubai Creek," said a spokesman for a leading tour operator company.
At least 15 dhows operate on Dubai Creek offering cruise trips to passengers, especially tourists.
Avtar Singh, Cruise and Administration Manager of Lama Tours and Cruise, a leading tourism company in Dubai, said there were at least five different departments monitoring dhow cruise operations in Dubai creek.
"Dhows have to undergo a technical inspection annually just like cars to ensure safety. We have to have full insurance covering the vessel and passengers before taking clearance certificate for cruising," said Singh.
He said that vessels were checked annually for their seaworthiness, engine condition, safety standards and its passenger capacity.
"Various departments conduct random checks to ensure the vessel is not overloaded and that it follows safety rules," he said.
However, the way some dhow operations are run have raised concerns.
"I have seen three-deck dhows crowded with passengers on many occasions with loud music and people dancing on board," said Ramesh, a resident.
He said he always feared that an accident would happen because the creek was busy in the afternoons and at night.
According to a tour operator, belly dancing was banned last year on dhows mainly to keep passengers on-board "in control". However, he said, those who booked dhows for private parties often arranged music parties on board.
Singh dispelled the impression the accident in Bahrain would have a negative impact on the Dhow cruise industry in Dubai.
"Dhows in Dubai are very safe because they operate in shallow waters and follow strict safety measures, and are also connected to the emergency services," he said.
Iftikhar Alam from Royal Tours in Dubai said: "We have our own safety checks and our dhow captain refuses to move the vessel if it is overloaded or lacks any safety check.
He said that the cruise industry in Dubai was growing.
"I don't foresee any negative impact due to the Bahrain accident because Dubai is known for its safety especially when it comes to the tourism sector because it is being promoted as a major tourism destination in the region," he said.
Navigation lines for new developments
The chief of Dubai police has called for the setting up of special navigation lines to carry passengers and tourists from the new projects.
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, said the navigation lines from Palm Island and the World Island must be known to all sea users and it was important to coordinate with authorities.
Lieutenant General Dahi met the team from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) working on the sea transportation project in Dubai.
The team discussed the coordination and cooperation between Dubai police and the RTA regarding safety procedures and rescue plans.
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