The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), has started a new service for tourists who love boating. With this new rule, visitors who already have boating licenses from countries that are members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)—including the GCC, Europe, the United States, and many others can now get a Dubai license to drive pleasure marine vessels.
To make things clearer, DMA also released an updated guide for crew licensing. This guide explains what qualifications, training, and medical checks are needed to work on marine vessels. It also shows how to apply, take tests, renew, or update licenses easily using digital platforms.
Commenting on the announcement, Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said:
“We believe in providing a flexible maritime environment that meets the aspirations of international visitors and offers them the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional marine experience in Dubai’s waters. The release of this manual reflects the Authority’s commitment to strengthening maritime safety, ensuring the efficiency and qualification of marine crews, and unifying standards in line with local legislation and international best practices”.
This step helps visitors enjoy leisure, tourism, and water sports in a safe way. It also strengthens Dubai’s image as a world-class maritime hub while supporting the local economy.
