DMCA Proceeding with Implementation of Maritime Safety Policy (UAE)

 The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is proceeding with the implementation of its Maritime Safety Policy as part of the first-of-its-kind maritime sector strategy’s initiatives for developing, organizing and promoting Dubai’s maritime industry. The new policy reflects the commitment of local government authorities to providing all forms of support to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

It will promote maritime development and safety by requiring higher levels of operational performance and advanced, highly-efficient infrastructure capable of ensuring the safety of workers, passengers, and visitors.

The Maritime Safety Policy comprises a set of regulations, guidelines and initiatives focusing on the three vital areas of marine vessels and cruise ships, marine operations, and passengers. A key contributor to Dubai’s World Expo 2020 hosting preparations, the Policy’s series of unified standards comply with international maritime benchmarks. It serves as a foundation for supporting the national economy by attracting foreign investments to the local maritime sector and developing industry components while promoting Dubai’s regional and international maritime competitiveness.

 Amer Ali, Executive Director, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: “DMCA believes that establishing a comprehensive policy and unified guidelines for ensuring high levels of maritime safety is instrumental to achieving the ultimate objective of raising the bar in maritime activities and ensuring safe navigation. This initiative will enhance the operational performance of Dubai’s maritime sector and further boost the development of the national economy; it will facilitate meaningful maritime contributions to economic diversification via the creation of new growth opportunities.”

“The Maritime Safety Policy approved by the Dubai Executive Council’s Health and Safety Committee reflects DMCA’s commitment to establishing an integrated approach to maritime safety aimed at developing, organizing and promoting the local maritime industry. It will raise the sector’s competitiveness to expedite Dubai’s transformation into a leading international maritime hub,” he added.

Ali also noted that the ongoing economic successes of both recreational- and business-oriented maritime events have encouraged DMCA to lay down safety-related regulations and legislations to complement the ongoing efforts of government authorities and maritime-related entities to develop Dubai’s maritime infrastructures with an eye towards establishing a safe and vibrant maritime industry. He further emphasized DMCA’s commitment to sharing technical expertise and research; coordinating with local and regional partners to uplift and monitor the levels of maritime safety in Dubai; promoting the quality of local maritime services; and harnessing industry’s vital contributions to economic growth.

The Maritime Safety Policy is the result of mutual cooperation between DMCA and a number of government authorities and industry-related entities in Dubai. The latter include DP World, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Department of Finance, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Drydocks World, and Dubai Customs, among many others.

[mappress]

DMCA, January 17, 2014