Latest news with #SmartDMA
CairoScene
24-02-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Boat & Vessel Owners Can Now Get Their Licence Online
This initiative streamlines the process for both pleasure and commercial vessels, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Feb 24, 2025 Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) has just launched an online licensing system, allowing applicants to complete the theoretical exam remotely. This initiative streamlines the process for both pleasure and commercial vessels, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Two types of marine licences are available: pleasure licences for private boat owners and commercial licences for business-related vessels like tourist yachts and floating restaurants. The theoretical test varies based on vessel size, with additional practical assessments required for commercial operators. The licensing fees include an application fee of AED 500 (valid for five years), an exam fee of AED 600, and a service fee of AED 20. A one-day refresher course, costing AED 500, is available for those renewing expired licences or retaking the test. Applicants must download the Smart DMA app, log in using UAE Pass, upload training certificates, and complete the exam. Commercial operators must also undergo additional safety training, including a crowd management course for crew members on passenger vessels and instructor certification for jet ski rentals. Age restrictions apply: 16 for pleasure licences up to 12 metres, 18 for boats up to 24 metres, and 20 for larger vessels and commercial licences. The process, fees, and criteria remain the same for both UAE nationals and expatriates.
Hi Dubai
24-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Introduces Online Marine License Application for Boat Owners, Operators: How to Apply
Dubai is making it easier than ever to obtain marine licenses with the launch of an online testing option by the Dubai Maritime Authority of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC). Boat owners and operators can now complete their theoretical exam remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Streamlined Licensing Process According to Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi, Manager of Maritime Enablement at the Dubai Maritime Authority, applicants must submit the required documents before taking a multiple-choice exam. The number of questions varies by vessel size—25 for boats up to 12 meters and 50 for boats up to 24 meters. Types of Marine Licenses There are two types of marine licenses available: Pleasure License – For private boat owners. – For private boat owners. Commercial License – Required for vessels used in business activities, such as tourist yachts and floating restaurants. The licensing process considers the applicant's age and vessel type, with exams aligned with international maritime safety and navigation standards. Refresher Course and Costs Applicants who fail the test can take a one-day refresher course for AED 500, covering key maritime topics like safety rules, personal survival, and navigation. The cost breakdown for obtaining a marine license includes: Application Fee : AED 500 (valid for five years) : AED 500 (valid for five years) Exam Fee : AED 600 : AED 600 Innovation & Knowledge Services Fee: AED 20 With growing interest in marine activities, over 3,900 licenses were issued in 2024, up from 3,124 in 2023. Application Process To apply, users must: Download the Smart DMA app and log in using UAE Pass. Upload a certified training course certificate (if applicable). Complete the online exam and, for commercial licenses, pass a practical test. Commercial license holders operating tourist boats or floating restaurants must also complete specialized safety training, such as crowd management courses for vessels carrying over 50 passengers. Companies renting jet skis must employ certified supervisors, with a ratio of one supervisor per five passengers. Age Requirements Minimum age requirements vary by vessel size: 16 years – Boats up to 12 meters – Boats up to 12 meters 18 years – Boats up to 24 meters – Boats up to 24 meters 20 years – Vessels exceeding 24 meters – Vessels exceeding 24 meters 20 years – Commercial marine licenses The licensing process applies equally to UAE nationals and expatriates, with identical fees and requirements for all. As the UAE continues to expand its maritime sector, these digital advancements are making it easier, safer, and more efficient for individuals and businesses to operate vessels in Dubai's waters. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
24-02-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Dubai now offers online licence for boat, vessel; how to apply, costs explained
Those looking for a licence to ride boats or vessels, typically for recreational or professional purposes, can now take the test online. If you pass the exam, you will receive the marine licence without visiting the authority in person, according to the Dubai Maritime Authority of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC). "After submitting the required documents, applicants must pass a multiple-choice theoretical exam. The number of questions varies depending on the size of the vessel: applicants for a licence to drive boats up to 12 meters in length must answer 25 questions. In comparison, applicants for boats up to 24 meters in length must answer 50 questions," Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi, manager of Maritime Enablement, Maritime Operations Department at Dubai Maritime Authority of PCFC. Types of marine licenses Speaking to Khaleej Times at the recently concluded Dubai International Boat Show 2025, Al Falasi explained that two types of marine licences are available: a pleasure licence for private boat owners and a commercial licence for vessels used for commercial purposes, such as tourist yachts or floating restaurants. The application process categorises applicants based on their age and the vessel size they intend to operate. The theory test follows international maritime safety and navigation standards. Refresher course The authority provides refresher training courses for those who have previously taken training courses but have failed the theory test. "A refresher course is available at a reduced fee of Dh500 for those renewing an expired license. This one-day course consists of a four-hour session and is designed to help applicants prepare for the license exam." Costs of obtaining the license "The courses focus on rules of the road, personal survival, firefighting, fire prevention, and principles of navigation." Al Falasi added. He explained that obtaining a marine driving license includes an application fee of Dh500 valid for five years, an exam fee of Dh600, and an additional fee of Dh20 for innovation and knowledge services," Al Falasi said. He explained that the demand for marine licenses in the UAE is steadily increasing, with more than 2,000 licenses issued annually. In 2023, the number of marine licences issued reached 3,124, and it increased to 3,913 in 2024. How to apply Applicants must first download the Smart DMA app and log in using UAE Pass. Once registered, they can access their profile and begin the application process. Those who have completed an accredited training course must upload their course certificate through the app. The Dubai Maritime Authority and other accredited institutions provide training programmes. Applicants for a commercial marine licence must pass an additional practical test. Unlike pleasure licences, which allow individuals to drive private boats, commercial licences are mandatory for vessels used for business, including floating restaurants and passenger yachts, given the greater responsibilities involved in operating commercial vessels. Crew members on tourist boats and floating restaurants must complete a specialised crowd management course given by the authority. "This training ensures that they can handle emergency evacuations for vessels carrying more than 50 passengers," he said. Similarly, companies renting jet skis must have one certified supervisor for every five passengers. These supervisors must complete a jet ski instructor course, which the authority also offers, to ensure the safety of all participants," AlFalasi added. Age requirements The age requirements for obtaining a marine license depend on the size of the vessel. Applicants must be at least 16 to operate private boats up to 12 metres in length, 18 for boats up to 24 metres in length, and 20 for vessels over 24 metres in length. The minimum age for obtaining a commercial marine license is also 20. AlFalasi confirmed that the process for obtaining a marine licence is the same for UAE nationals and expatriates, with identical fees, eligibility criteria and requirements for all applicants.
