Book cruises with reputed operators, official advises

Dubai: Tourism companies have been warned against hiring unqualified captains for cruise ships, floating restaurants and tourist boats as this can lead to serious accidents and, in some cases, deviating off the tour route.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Mazyoud, Director of Port Police Station, said seven tourist ships and other boats were involved in accidents in 2011 which were mostly related to lack of experience among captains.

"Some tourism companies hire unqualified people assuming that it is an easy task to operate a boat, but there are traffic rules and signs in the sea just like there are on the road, and if the captain is unaware of them, the consequences can be grave," Lt Col Al Mazyoud said.

The accidents in 2011 included a collision of two boats at the entrance of the Mina Al Seyahi marina, another boat that hit a high wave and was damaged, and a third which broke down in the sea, was washed away by currents and hit the Jebel Ali breakwater.

"There was a yacht that hit the World Islands breakwater at night as the captain could not read the warning sign, and another that hit a rock in the sea also at night, while a boat sank at the entrance of Rashid Port due to a technical problem that the operator was not aware of," he said.

Another boat caught fire also due to a technical problem, but was the fire was put out immediately.

No accidents have been reported this year, while five accidents took place in 2010.

Although no injuries were reported in boat accidents last year, negligence by operators resulted in legal action against them.

"The charges vary from destroying property, causing injury, operating under the influence of alcohol and employing unqualified captains to violation of residency law if the operator employs people not under his sponsorship," Lt Col Al Mazyoud said.

He also advised tourists and residents who wish to take cruises to ensure that the operator is well-reputed and licensed by the Dubai Economic Department to practise this activity.

Meanwhile, there were two dhow fires this year, and six in 2011, which were mainly caused by a lack of safety culture among operators, according to Lt Col Al Mazyoud.

"Most of these ships are old and worn out and do not undergo regular maintenance," he said.