DMCA MARINE CRAFT LICENSE REGISTRATION

All marine craft must be registered with the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA). The DMCA requires all marine craft to comply to certain standards and operate in an environmentally responsible manner that does not cause pollution.

You will need to apply for the Pleasure Marine Craft License, which is valid for a period of one year.  This license covers the following pleasure craft categories:

    • Personal water craft (jet skis)
    • Pleasure marine craft up to 12m
    • Pleasure marine craft between 12-24m
    • Pleasure marine craft over 24m
    • Pleasure marine craft without an engine 
    • You must be aged 18 years or older for pleasure vessels except for jet skis, for which the minimum age is 16 years old
    • You must have valid insurance for the vessel for a period of 13 months
    • Your boat must be equipped an anchor, torch, first aid kit, distress flares, navigation lights and lifejackets

You will need to submit the following documents to register your vessel, as relevant:

VESSEL OWNERSHIP

    • For UAE Citizens: original Emirates ID card and valid passport copy
    • For expatriates: original Emirates ID card, valid passport and residence visa copy, plus NOC from company/sponsor to the Dubai Coastguard
    • If the vessel is owned by a company: a valid copy of a Dubai issued trade license, plus the original Emirates ID and copies of the passport and residence visa of the company shareholder
    • If the vessel has been pledged to you: Copy of pledged marine craft deed between owner and pledgee
    • For non-residents who own a freehold property:  copy of title deed of the freehold property
    • For new or imported marine engines: original copy of environment specifications certificate issued by Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA)

FOR NEW VESSELS LOCATED IN THE UAE

    • Original copy of proof of ownership documents or marine craft purchase invoice –  attested by the competent authorities
    • Original copy of marine craft building certificate or any document from the manufacturer or supplier listing the marine craft details

FOR PRE-OWNED VESSELS LOCATED IN THE UAE

    • Original copy of the sale contract – attested by the competent authorities
    • Original copy of the cancellation certificate of marine registration – from the last authority where the marine craft was registered

FOR IMPORTED VESSELS

    • Original copy of the customs clearance certificate  – issued by the competent authorities
    • Copy of proof of ownership document or purchase invoice – attested by the competent authorities
    • Original copy of marine craft building certificate or any document from the manufacturer or supplier listing the marine craft details –  attested by the competent authorities
    • Original copy of cancellation certificate of marine registration with the last authority where the marine craft was registered – attested by the competent authorities

For the registration and licensing of vessel in the Pleasure Marine Craft Category: AED 320

Payment can be made in cash at the DMCA Customer Service Centres  or via the DMCA electronic payment gateway.  Please note that you will need to register to use this service.

Apply online here.

Please note that you will need to register for the DMCA electronic portal to use this service.

DMCA MARINE CRAFT LICENSE RENEWAL

Your Pleasure Marine Craft Licence must be renewed every 12 months within a month of its expiry date (provided that the insurance policy remains valid during the same period).

You are subject to penalty fees if your license  is not renewed. Late renewal fees are calculated from the first month of delay; the  license will be issued for a 12 months period from the payment date of the penalty fees.

You will need to submit the following documents to renew your license:

    • UAE Nationals: copy of passport or original Emirates ID
    • Expatriate residents: copy of passport and valid residence visa, plus original Emirates ID and NOC from sponsor
    • For non-residents, copy of the title deeds for a free hold property
    • Original marine craft licence
    • Valid technical inspection pass certificate for the vessel issued by DMCA or any of its approved entities 
    • Copy of the vessel insurance policy valid for (13) months, issued by an insurance firm licensed to operate in the country

Pleasure Marine Craft License renewal fee:  AED 320

Payment can be made in cash at the DMCA Customer Service Centres  or via the DMCA electronic payment gateway.  Please note that you will need to register to use this service.

Apply online here.

Please note that you will need to register for the DMCA electronic portal to use this service.

DMCA TECHNICAL BOAT INSPECTION CERTIFICATE

All boats have to be inspected by the DMCA as part of the registration process. An inspection is mandatory for the application and renewal of a licence for a vessel to operate in Dubai waters or if there is a major modification in the vessel or a change of ownership. After the inspection, you will receive a written report.

You will need to bring the following with you to the inspection:

    • UAE Nationals: copy of passport or original Emirates ID
    • Expatriate residents: copy of passport and valid residence visa, plus original Emirates ID and NOC from sponsor

It is recommended to take photos of your boat from ahead, astern and the port and starboard sides with nothing else in the frame of the photo. Take these along on a CD.

    • Take your boat or jet ski to the DMCA office near the dry docks
    • Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a marine craft inspection report, which is needed to register your vessel.
    • An inspection needs to be carried out every 12 months, as part of the registration process.
    • AED 210 for pleasure marine craft less than 12 metres
    • AED 410 for pleasure marine craft between 12 metres and less than 24 metres
    • AED 810 for pleasure marine craft 24 metres and above

Payment can be made in cash at the DMCA Customer Service Centres  or via the DMCA electronic payment gateway.  Please note that you will need to register to use this service.

Apply online here.   Please note that you will need to register for the DMCA electronic portal to use this service.

DMCA MARINE DRIVING LICENSE

DMCA issues the following types of license for the Pleasure Marine Craft category:

    • Pleasure marine craft license for craft up to 12 meters long
    • Pleasure marine craft license for craft up to 24 meters long
    • Pleasure marine craft license for craft over 24 meters long
    • Pleasure marine craft temporary driving license (visitor license)
  • DMCA Pleasure Marine Craft Licenses are valid for five years.

To obtain any type of Marine Craft driving license, you need to have the RYA Dayskipper Practical – For up to 24m Pleasure License. 

If you have an international/foreign marine driving license or certificates from training institutes that are not certified by DMCA, you will need to ask DMCA if you need to apply for Certificate Equivalency. Once you have submitted the required information and documentation, DMCA will let you know if you need to apply and, if so, what you will need to support your application.

DMCA theoretical and practical test services. This covers all the marine craft driving requirements, laws and regulations applicable in the emirate.

You will need to submit the following documents to apply for a DMCA Marine Driving License:

    • UAE Nationals: copy of passport or original Emirates ID
    • Expatriate residents: copy of passport and valid residence visa, plus original Emirates ID and NOC from sponsor
    • A recent photograph of yourself taken on a white background
    • The original Marine craft driving certificate/RYA Powerboat Level 2 (12m)/RYA Dayskipper Practical (24m)
    • Medical fitness certificate

Issue of Pleasure Marine Craft Driving License: AED 620

Payment can be made in cash at the DMCA Customer Service Centres  or via the DMCA electronic payment gateway.  Please note that you will need to register to use this service.

Apply online here.   Please note that you will need to register for the DMCA electronic portal to use this service.