DMCA Renews Its ‘Sunrise to Sunset’ Timings Rule

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has renewed its ‘Sunrise to Sunset’ timings rule and stressed the need to adhere to the regulations restricting the time recreational marine craft can ply local waters.

DMCA has also emphasized the importance of taking into consideration issued weather warnings, especially with the current climate instability in the region and adhering to the instructions related to the weather and sea conditions.

This circular is in line with DMCA’s strategy of adopting the best maritime practices to create a safe and sustainable marine environment that supports government efforts to establish Dubai as a global leading maritime hub.

DMCA has restricted the time recreational marine craft can ply local waters during the period between sunrise and sunset and within the authorized beaches and zones. It has also ordered seafarers to wear lifejackets to ensure their own safety, and follow the restrictions issued based on the latest weather and sea forecasts.

A work team from DMCA headed by the Authority’s Director of Maritime Operations, Mohammed Al-Bastaki, has launched an awareness campaign that will target different stakeholders such as marinas, marine clubs and waterfront hotels in Dubai to disseminate the terms of the resolution.

Ali Al Dabbous, Executive Director of Operations, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: “The latest decision to ban recreational manual marine craft after sunset comes in line with DMCA’s strategy to regulate maritime operations and water sports in Dubai according to the best international standards. The new policies are issued to reduce human and material risks and ensure the highest levels of safety to ultimately create a vibrant and safe maritime environment.”

DMCA implements an integrated plan to raise awareness about the best practices that needs to be adopted to prevent accidents, while encouraging water sports enthusiasts to be responsible for their own wellbeing by following simple steps that ensure the highest standards of personal safety.

“We are committed to raise public awareness about the best practices that can ensure safety while using marine craft and practicing water sports in Dubai along with the instructions and regulations needed in terms of manoeuvre, passage and landing places and areas of maritime activities. We are also keen to develop and adopt proactive measures which will avoid potential accidents in line with our quest to achieve integrated maritime safety, maritime navigation and operational efficiency along the coasts of Dubai,” concluded Al Dabbous.

[mappress]

DMCA, April 2, 2014