A Marine craft driving license is compulsory for individuals who wish to drive a private boat in Dubai. The license is granted by Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), which controls marine activities and boating in Dubai.
The procedure is not like obtaining a normal UAE driving license. A suitable marine training course is required, age and documentation requirements must be fulfilled and an application for the appropriate boat licence category must be made.
What Is a Boat License in Dubai?
Boat License or Marine Craft License is a license issued by the Dubai Boat Registration Authority to operators of boats of certain types and sizes in Dubai’s waters.
The class of license issued depends primarily on the size of the boat that you would like to operate. The Pleasure Marine Craft Driving License is the most popular license for private boat owners.
Types of Pleasure Boat Licenses in Dubai
The pleasure marine craft licence is split based on the length of the boat:
| Boat Size | Minimum Age |
| Up to 12 metres | 16 years |
| Up to 24 metres | 18 years |
| More than 24 metres | 20 years |
A standard private boat licence may be applied for from age 16 years, for a 12 metre boat or less. The bigger the boat, the older you need to be.
How to Get a Boat License in Dubai
1. Choose the Correct License Category
Before you decide on the type of boat you will be using, you must first determine this. Sometimes, a small private speedboat and a large yacht are not classified in the same category of licence.
If a person desires to have a private boat for leisure, then they will need to obtain a pleasure marine craft license.
2. Complete an Approved Marine Training Course
The compulsory qualifying course needs to be done at a DMCA certified training centre.
This course provides the fundamental knowledge required to safely operate a boat, such as navigation, marine rules, safety and handling.
On completion of the Course, participants are presented with a training certificate to be included in the application for the licence.
3. Get a Medical Fitness Certificate
Must have medical fitness certificate from DMCA certified medical centre.
This will attest to your medical suitability to operate a marine craft.
4. Prepare the Required Documents
To obtain a pleasure marine craft driving licence, you will normally require the following: Application form, recent photograph, Emirates ID card, passport, valid UAE residence visa (for expatriates), medical fitness certificate and certificate of attainment from a training centre that has been accredited by the DMCA.
5. Apply for the Marine Driving License
Once you have finished your study, and prepared your application, you have to apply to Dubai Maritime City Authority.
DMCA reviews and processes application and supporting documents prior to issuing the license.
Can Tourists Get a Boat License in Dubai?
Visitors can also get the temporary pleasure marine craft licence in Dubai.
But, the requirements may differ from UAE residents. If you already have a foreign marine license or certificate, you may need to be issued an equivalency or to go through the appropriate DMCA process.
How Much Does a Boat License Cost in Dubai?
The total cost will be determined by the marine training course, medical fitness test, medical license application fees, testing and assessment fees (if applicable).
Each applicant will have a different fixed cost.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Boat License?
Time is dependent on the time spent on training, medical test and application.
Generally a simple pleasure boat license will be completed much quicker than a larger or commercial boat license.
What Is the Difference Between a Boat License and Boat Registration?
A boat driving license is a document that enables an individual to drive a boat.
Registration of a boat is related to the boat itself and not to the owner. If you’re a boat owner in Dubai, you may have to do other registrations and licensing for your boat.
Can You Drive Any Boat With a Dubai Boat License?
No. It is essential to know your license category.
You can’t use a small boat’s license to run a large boat! The category to which the marine craft belongs is correlated with parameters like the type and size of the marine craft.
Always make sure your license authorizes you to operate the boat you are running.
Final Words
To sail in Dubai, one has to go for a boat license, which includes selecting the appropriate license class, attending a training course at a DMCA recognized training centre, obtaining a medical fitness certificate, and presenting the necessary documents.
The pleasure marine craft license is typically the one which is applicable to a privately owned vessel. The minimum age is dependent on the size of the vessel, and ranges from 16 years for pleasure vessels up to 12 metres in size.
Please make sure that you have the most up-to-date requirements and information before applying, as documents, procedures and fees may change.
FAQs
What is the official authority for boat licenses in Dubai?
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is responsible for Dubai’s Marine Licensing of ships and sailors.
What is the minimum age for a pleasure boat license in Dubai?
Pleasure marine craft (PMC) licence age requirement is 16 years for boats 12 metres or less. There are higher minimum ages for larger boats.
Do I need training to get a boat license in Dubai?
Yes. Usually a Certificate of completion from a training centre certified by the DMCA is required.
Can expatriates apply for a Dubai boat license?
Yes. Applicants who are expatriates and fulfill the conditions and submit all the documents are eligible to apply.
Can I use a foreign boat license in Dubai?
For licensing purposes a foreign marine certificate or license must be equivalent to a certificate or license issued in the U.S. by the appropriate DMCA process.
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