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The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), now renamed the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) in 2023, is the government body responsible for regulating, coordinating, and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector. The Dubai Maritime Authority is now part of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).
In January 2015, the authority announced the implementation of mandatory marine craft driving licenses in Dubai.
The Dubai Maritime Authority began enforcing Resolution No. 2 of 2013 for Marine Craft Driving Licenses as part of its efforts to regulate the local maritime sector. This resolution requires the licensing of crew members operating personal, business, sports, tourism, and recreational marine craft, including small and large leisure craft, commercial vessels, and traditional wooden dhows.
Under this resolution, it is prohibited to operate any marine craft within Dubai’s territorial waters without holding a certified license issued by the Dubai Maritime Authority. All applicants must be medically fit and possess the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to operate light marine vessels, abras, and leisure craft. Crew members on commercial vessels and traditional wooden dhows must also be proficient in using marine radar, communication systems, and navigation maps. Additionally, they must be capable of operating safety equipment, first-aid kits, firefighting tools, and equipment related to water pollution control.
Dubai Pleasure Marine Craft Driving License
The Dubai Maritime Authority (previous DMCA) issues pleasure marine craft licenses for the following categories (due to changes):
- Pleasure marine craft license up to 12 meters
- Pleasure marine craft license up to 24 meters
- Pleasure marine craft license for craft exceeding (24) meters
- Pleasure marine craft temporary driving license (visitor license)
License Validity
The license is valid for 5 years, with an option for renewal at the end of the validity period.
Required documents for the application
- Passport Picture
A recent digital passport-sized photo with white-colour background is required. - Passport and Emirates ID
Provide a valid passport and Emirates ID for identification purposes. Valid Residence visa for expatriates. - Original Certificate from an Approved Training Institute
Submit the original certificate from an approved training provider, such as Marine Concept, as an example.- For a 12-meter license: IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master and FMA/MOEI Small Boat Driving License 12 meter.
- For a 24-meter license: IYT International Bareboat Skipper and FMA/MOEI Small Boat Driving License 24 meter.
- For up to 100 GT license: IYT Master of Yachts Coastal
- For up to 200 GT license: IYT Master of Yachts Limited 200 Tons
- Medical Fitness Certificate (MED1)
This medical certificate issued by a medical center is required for applicants who are operating pleasure vessels length overall more than 12 meter. - Medical Declaration Fitness Certificate (MED3)
This medical declaration certificate is required for applicants who are operating pleasure vessels length overall less than 12 meter. Applicants can sign their own Medical Declaration Fitness Certificate (MED3), which includes a color vision test. If there is any doubt regarding the applicant’s fitness, the DMA may require further tests at a clinic. - Additional Documents
The DMA may request additional documents or an evaluation, depending on the specifics of the application, assessed on a case-by-case basis. - Evaluation
The DMA requires an evaluation for all 24m license applications and for any application exceeding 24m, subject to an additional charge. Applicants will be notified and guided through the evaluation process during their online application. - Minimum Age
Up to 12 meter: 16 years
Above 12 meter: 18 years
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted through the DMA online portal using UAE PASS.
- Upon approval, the license will be issued digitally and can be downloaded through the DMA platform
Sample License
Dubai Commercial Marine Craft Driving License
Dubai Maritime Authority (previous DMCA) issues commercial marine craft driving licenses for the categories:
- Commercial Dubai Marine Craft Driving License up to 12 meters
- Commercial Dubai Marine Craft Driving License up to 24 meters
- Commercial Dubai Marine Craft Driving License above 24 m up to 100 GT
- Commercial Dubai Marine Craft Driving License above 24 m up to 200 GT
- Commercial Dubai Marine Craft Driving License above 24 m up to 500 GT
License Validity
The license is valid for 5 years, with an option for renewal at the end of the validity period.
Required documents for the application
- Passport Picture
A recent passport-sized photo with a white background is required. - Passport and Emirates ID
Provide a valid passport and Emirates ID for identification purposes. A valid residence visa is required for expatriates. - Original Certificate from an Approved Training Institute
Submit the original certificate from an approved training provider, such as Marine Concept. The following certifications are required depending on vessel size:- For a 12-meter commercial license: IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master and FMA/MOEI Small Boat Driving License 12 meter.
- For a 24-meter commercial license: IYT International Bareboat Skipper and FMA/MOEI Small Boat Driving License 24 meter.
- For vessels up to 100 GT: IYT Master of Yachts Coastal.
- For vessels up to 200 GT: IYT Master of Yachts Limited 200 Tons.
- Further certificates required
Valid STCW BST COP and VHF SRC or GMDSS ROC - Medical Fitness Certificate (MED2)
This medical certificate issued by a medical center is required for applicants who are working on commercially operated vessels including passengers vessels, on either inland waters or territorial waters. - NOC from Sponsor
Applicants must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their sponsor, confirming approval to obtain a commercial marine craft driving license. - Good Conduct Certificate
A Good Conduct Certificate issued by Dubai Police is required to verify the applicant’s clean criminal record. - Additional Documents
The DMA may request further documents on a case-by-case basis - Evaluation
The DMA requires an evaluation for all commercial applications, subject to an additional charge. Applicants will be notified and provided with details during the online application process. - Minimum Age
Up to 12 meters: 18 years
Above 12 meters: 20 years
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted through the DMA online portal using UAE PASS.
- Upon approval, the license will be issued digitally and can be downloaded through the DMA platform
Sample License
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