Following directives from the Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, the Dubai Maritime City Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation has announced  it has amended the regulations relating to the registration and licensing controls for remotely-operated marine crafts and vessels.

They have also amended the operational requirements for them.

They have done so to ensure the regulations in this area align with the highest international standards and best practices.

They have also been introduced to develop the maritime sector in the Emirate and create a safe and sustainable maritime sector there as well as improve the performance, safety, efficiency and competitiveness of the sector.

They include a number of operating controls for remotely-operated marine crafts and vessels, including compliance with all treaties, regulations and laws issued by the International Maritime Organisation related to the outputs of the Maritime Safety Committee circular and its amendments.

They also include a requirement to coordinate and obtain approval from the Dubai Maritime City Authority on the time and place of operation first.

Under the regulations, an inspection report and a safety certificate from an approved technical body has to be obtained. This will validate the safety of remotely-operated marine crafts or vessels in situations where communication and control are lost.

Marine crafts and vessels have to operate in line with best international practices and follow guidance in international operating codes.

In addition, operators have to provide a comprehensive risk assessment report when registering the marine craft or vessel based on the nature of operation, the size of the vessel or craft and the area of operation.

The report must be approved by the Maritime City Authority.

There must be adequate insurance coverage to protect people and property from loss and damage. The value of the coverage for a single accident should not be less than 10 million AED.

Marine crafts and vessels should comply with all requirements and standards set by the Authority on testing and operating remotely-operated crafts or vessels.

An emergency plan which details the potential risks of operating remotely-operated marine crafts and vessels should be prepared.

They should also be equipped with communication and sensor devices and day and night cameras to ensure safe operation.

The regulations apply to both remotely-operated marine vessels and marine crafts used in research, experiments and monitoring within specific geographic areas of the Authority.

They also apply to marine crafts used to transport passengers or goods and which sail within specific water areas and shipping lines approved by the Authority.

The regulations do not apply to autonomous marine devices, regardless of their dimensions and the purpose they are going to be used for.

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