RTA to implements Marine Safety Project

Marine Agency in Traffic & Roads Authority (RTA) is set to embark on implementing Marine Safety Services Project from the beginning of June 2008 at cost of Dh 6 million covering the coasts of the emirate of Dubai.

Engineer Khalid Al Zahid, Director of Maritime Projects Department who talks on behalf of Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of RTA Marine Agency, stated that this project is one of the key projects in upgrading marine safety services and is considered among the leading projects worldwide.

It aims at serving marine security & safety in a way leading to realization of RTA vision of providing ‘safe & smooth transport for all'. This service, which is outstanding at the local, GCC and world level, aims to achieve an all-inclusive marine safety concept. This marine safety services program features training, academic & executive world-class leading programs offering marine support services.

“It provides multiple and diverse package of marine safety services such as towing, tugging, refueling, repairing of emergent defects, battery checks and all aspects related to marine safety. Marine Agency is one of the key entities offering sea goers with all marine support services as well as educational & qualification programs'' said Al Zahid.

He pointed out certain programs are involved in implementing this project; the first one is tailored to qualify members to acquire the minimum standards of marine culture enabling them to explore and enjoy the sea.

The second is an academic program customized to train members and groom them properly to treat emergency cases while at sea, identify methods of boat slipping, grasp safe navigational methods, and learn maritime laws & sailing conditions.

The third is an executive program aiming to serve marine security and safety through providing all ingredients of marine support to subscribed members under the program as well as Marine Agency fleet.

He further added that membership in marine safety services program is classified into four categories; silver, gold, diamond and commercial services. An annual subscription fee starting from Dh1500 will be applied to members.

The operators have to hold boat driving certificate, STCW certificate, known as the inevitable courses, and high-level specialty certificate in training & technical qualification. The scope of services covers the coasts of the emirate of Dubai up to nautical mile 40 for the time being. In future it will extend to cover all territorial waters of the UAE and run 24 hours a day.

Al Zahid pointed out that there are several specifications applicable to marine tools used in providing marine safety services including five marine tools equipped with the latest and sophisticated marine & wireless communication systems spanning three operational zones.

This will ensure speedy access and ability to deliver services in the shortest possible time. Those tools also include two boats extending 9 meters (31 feet) in length and 2.85 meters in width fitted with external turbines, automatic towing & tugging systems and operate at a speed of 45 knots, two boats extending 9.3 meters (35 feet) in length and 3.5 meters in width and operate at a speed of 50 knots, and two boats extending 11.1 meters (41 feet) in length and 3.5 meters in width and operate at a speed of 40 knots.

All marine safety service boats are characterized by their high operational efficiency, speedy performance and optimum support services to subscribers and public, including marine support services to Marine Agency fleet.

Al Zahid also referred to other marine safety services such as the 24 hours support to subscribers (Dh1500 per annum) and on demand to non-subscribers. They also include refueling vessels in emergency cases (fuel drops), battery recharging & replacing, cleaning underwater blades of vessels, and repairing minor emergency faults (jump start).

They also include briefing subscribers on security & safety conditions, as well as locations and methods of boat slipping and pulling from water, in addition to issuing statements about the sea condition through the website and assisting with combating marine pollution resulting from drowning vessels of Marine Agency.