December 17, 2016. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector, recently held a meeting for all stakeholders and concerned organizations in Aids to Navigation (AtoN) in Dubai. The participants included representatives from free zones and special development zones along with owners and operators of maritime projects such as walkways and bridges in local territorial waters. The meeting aimed to increase commitment and coordination among relevant groups regarding the implementing mechanisms embodied in Resolution No. (6) of 2016 issued by the Executive Council of Dubai.

The resolution recently issued by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, seeks to strengthen the integration and key pillars of operational efficiency, maritime safety and environmental security off Dubai waters. It will significantly contribute to the establishment of a sustainable and integrated local maritime sector. The resolution has designated DMCA to develop the requirements and standards of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) in accordance with international conventions as well as issue the necessary permits, certificates and approvals based on existing regulations, standards, and procedures. 

Amer Ali, Executive Director DMCA, said: “DMCA is working with all parties involved in Aids to Navigation (AtoN) in Dubai to discuss and develop mechanisms of coordination and cooperation in implementing the new resolution’s provisions and ensure their compliance with its terms. Through this resolution, our leaders are keen on building legislative frameworks and regulations that guarantee safe navigation within the local territorial waters. Among the ways to achieve our objectives are efficient management of maritime operations in accordance with the standards set by the International Maritime Organization and the establishment of an Aids to Navigation system in line with the standards and requirements outlined in international conventions.”

According to him, DMCA is looking forward to intensifying the collaboration among all concerned parties to carry out the responsibilities and optimally implement the commitments to create a smart maritime sector and safe and sustainable ports and waterways. All these facets will make Dubai one of the leading maritime capitals in the world.

Under the new resolution, DMCA will restrict the aids to navigation within the territorial waters of Dubai; study their technical condition and suitability and then take action based on the results; issue navigational warning bulletins in the event of any disruption of aids to navigation; locate the aids to navigation in local waters; install, maintain, and remove the aids to navigation when needed; and evaluate all maritime projects to identify their needs for aids to navigation.

The resolution prohibits any installation or removal of the aids to navigation without obtaining prior approval from the DMCA. On the other hand, all government entities should obtain prior approval from the DMCA when doing the installation or removal of aids to navigation related to their navigational activities. It also bans anyone from installing any aids to navigation in Dubai unless he is authorized by the DMCA and licensed by the concerned authority to engage in such commercial activity.

To issue the permit, which is renewable yearly, the applicants must comply with DMCA-issued conditions and criteria and have shown sufficient technical expertise to practice the activity in accordance with the existing requirements. The permission certificate can be obtained after meeting the DMCA’s conditions. The aids to navigation to be installed should be according to the system, types, shapes, sizes and locations specified in the plan approved by the DMCA. The certificate is valid for one year and is renewable for another year.