DMCA assists fishermen in obtaining marine driving licenses

Dec. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- December 18, 2014
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has begun offering training, guidance and technical consultation services to local fishermen in Dubai. It has also started assisting fishermen in obtaining their marine craft driving licenses after completing the necessary requirements. This comes in line with DMCA’s continued commitment to develop the fishing industry and promote fishing in the country. Fishing, a profession inherited from their ancestors, has been an integral part of the rich Emirati heritage. DMCA’s new initiatives are aimed at organizing, developing and promoting all components of maritime clustering in the emirate to create an integrated environment that will enhance the sector’s contributions to the local economy.

Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA, said: “We will continue with our efforts to attain more remarkable achievements in implementing marine licensing mechanisms, which are an essential part of meeting the grand objectives of the Dubai Maritime Sector Strategy (MSS). The MSS is aimed at improving the competitiveness of the local maritime sector and consolidating Dubai’s status as one of the region’s and the world’s most prominent maritime hubs in line with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.”

Moving steadily towards strengthening the maritime sector, DMCA has so far issued 1,200 marine driving licenses this year, signifying the increasing confidence in marine licensing services. DMCA also announced the implementation of mandatory marine craft driving license in Dubai in January 2015.

The initiative is a major stride towards upgrading the local maritime sector given the significance of the marine licensing policy. The policy provides an integrated regulatory framework to ensure maritime safety, secure navigation, and efficient operations in the country’s waters to reinforce Dubai’s position as a world-class maritime center.

DMCA has provided an intensive training program for fishermen as well. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Director of Maritime Operations of DMCA, said: “Our presentation delivered yesterday provided all technical details on implementing maritime processes, specifically on applying best global practices to ensure safe operation and navigation. The presentation has received a positive response from the fishermen, and we are very pleased with the outcome.”

For his part, Adel Kalantar, Director - Registration and Licensing, DMCA, said: “Through our quality initiatives such as training and assistance programs for fishermen, the ‘Exam in Your Office’ service, and mandatory marine license, we aim to achieve a big leap in implementing necessary measures to create an integrated, safe and sustainable marine environment capable of responding effectively to market changes. Additionally, the marine environment must be able to keep pace with emerging trends, attract regional and international investors, and strengthen Dubai’s strategic position on the global maritime map.”

Earlier this year, DMCA launched its ‘Exam in Your Office’ service to enable people to quickly and easily obtain their marine driving licenses without coming to the Authority’s offices. They can contact DMCA’s customer service center at 8004806 to inquire about and avail of the service.