Abu Dhabi: Watercraft owners who do not follow municipal rules and regulations pertaining to boats and other vessels will be subjected to hefty fines, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) warned on Monday.
Those who operate a boat without a licence, or with an expired licence, will be fined Dh1,000, the municipal sector regulator said. In addition, the boat will be impounded until the licence is obtained or renewed.
A fine of Dh2,000 will be issued if a watercraft is operated by a child under the age of 14 years. The vehicle will also be impounded for three months, and the guardian will have to sign a legal undertaking that the violation will not be repeated.
A Dh1,000 fine will apply if watercraft are operated in non-designated areas, and operators will receive an impoundment warning in case the offence is repeater.
Boat or watercraft owners who hide or alter a licence plate for the vessel will have to pay Dh2,000 fine as well, whereas a Dh500 fine will be issued for leaking oil, and to those who dump oil or waste in non-designated areas.
The DMAT stressed that the rules and regulations aim to protect the marine environment, and also safeguard boat operators and passengers.
