uae yacht registration

Essential Guide to Registering Your Yacht in the UAE

In the UAE, maritime activities are regulated by distinct legal frameworks tailored to accommodate different types of vessels and demands of different shipowners and ship operators.

While the rules for registering a commercial vessel are provided for by the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 43/2023 (the New Maritime Law), the rules for registering a yacht are quite different and are devolved to the maritime authority of each single Emirate.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the yacht registration process in the UAE, with a focus on the rules in force in the Emirate of Dubai.

Dubai Maritime Authority (“DMA”)

Dubai Maritime Authority (formerly known as “Dubai Maritime City Authority”) is responsible for licensing all maritime transport means in the Emirate of Dubai. It provides services to both individuals (UAE nationals and expatriates residing in the UAE) and companies seeking marine transport registration.

DMA operates under Dubai Law No. 11/2010, which establishes rules for licensing, registration, and inspection of maritime transport means operating in the Emirate. Dubai Law No. 11/2010 has been subsequently implemented by Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 11/2013.

According to the above-mentioned legal framework, “marine craft” is defined as “any craft operating in the Emirate s ’ waters for the transport of passengers or goods, whether for personal, commercial, sports or tourism purposes” (Art. 1 of Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 11/2013).

Marine crafts registered and licensed in Dubai are therefore divided into four categories:

• Commercial marine crafts;
• Pleasure marine crafts (allocated for personal use, including those with engines (less than 12 meters, between 12 and 24 meters, and exceeding 24 meters in length) and those without engines (such as rowing boats and sailboats);
• Sports marine crafts (allocated for water sports); and
• Traditional wooden marine craft.

Pleasure yacht registration procedure in Dubai

To register a pleasure yacht in Dubai, yacht owners are required to submit the following documents to the DMA’s portal via an online application:

• Passport copy and Emirates ID copy of the yacht owner. Expatriates residing in the UAE must also provide (i) proof of total income of 20,000 AED and above; (ii) copy of partnership in commercial Dubai issued trade license; and (iii) copy of title deed for free hold property owners exempt from the residence law.
• For new marine craft : copy of marine craft builder certificate and proof of ownership or purchase invoice.
• For previously registered marine craft : copy of marine craft cancellation certificate and copy of sale agreement attested by the authorized entity.
• For imported marine craft : in addition to the above, a copy of customs clearance certificate issued by the competent authorities.
• For pleasure yacht over 35 feet, a confirmation certificate from an approved supplier for licensing VHF radio communication devices.
• An environmental specification certificate from ESMA for new petrol outboard marine engines.
• If applicable, a mortgaged marine craft deed between the mortgagor and the mortgagee.
• UAE yacht code certificates if the marine craft has a Load Line Length.

Once these documents are submitted, the yacht must be inspected by DMA in order to verify that all technical requirements for passing the inspection are met.

After passing the DMA’s technical inspection and upon issuance of a technical Inspection Report, the applicant is required to:

• Install of a safety and security transponder at the Coast Guard offices;
• Submit insurance details to the DMA portal; and
• Provide a valid technical inspection pass certificate; a 13-month valid insurance policy and a valid trailer registration or annual berth contract.

Once these steps are completed (and within one working day assuming that all the required documents are satisficed), DMA will issue an electronic copy of the marine craft license and certificate.

The yacht registration process in Dubai, overseen by the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), is comprehensive and detailed, ensuring that all marine crafts meet the necessary safety, security, and environmental standards. By following the prescribed steps and providing the required documentation to the DMA, yacht owners can efficiently navigate the registration process and obtain the necessary licenses.

Our firm is well-equipped to assist yacht owners in this process, offering services that include collecting the necessary documents and submitting them to the DMA. By leveraging our expertise, yacht owners are ensured a smooth and hassle-free registration experience.

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How to register a boat in the UAE

26 February 2024 - Olivia Baikova Dubai Abu Dhabi UAE Expert Advice

The boat industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a significant sector due to the country's extensive coastline. The stretch of coast along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman creates many opportunities for commercial boating ventures in fishing, marine tourism, oil & gas, logistics and transportation. Boating and yachting are also popular recreational activities among residents and tourists.

There are two licensing authorities responsible for marine craft registration and maritime services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is responsible for boat registration in Dubai. The Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure (MoEI) is responsible for boar registration in Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates.

This article looks are registration for two types of marine crafts in the UAE:

• Pleasure marine crafts
• Commercial marine crafts

Document requirements for boat and yacht registrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, regardless of ‘type’ will require the following documents to prove where the marine craft has originated and whether is it new, previously registered, or imported marine craft.

New boat registration : Copy of marine craft builder manual and documents and proof of ownership.

Previously registered boat : Registration cancellation certificate and sales deed agreement.

Imported boat registration : Customs clearance certificate, copy of environmental specification certificate issued by Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and mortgage deed agreement.

Pleasure Marine Craft Registration

Pleasure marine crafts such as boats, yachts, rowing or sailing for personal use.

Document requirements for pleasure boat registration:

• Use UAE Pass or submit a copy of your Emirates ID and passport. Applicant must be older than 18 years.
• Proof of AED20,000 monthly income, a Commercial trade licence issued in Dubai or a title deed for freehold property owners.
• Certificate of very high frequency (VHF) installation from an approved supplier (marine crafts above 35 feet)
• Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) Environment Specification certificate (for new patrol outboard marine engines).
• Stability booklet (licensed to carry more than 12 passengers).
• The mortgage deed for marine craft (if applicable).
• Copy of UAE yacht code certificate.

A technical inspection will take place after you submit all the documents and pay the applicable fees. After the technical inspection process is complete, then you move on to the next stage which requires the following documents:

• Installation of safety and security transponders for the marine craft by Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) Coast Guard and deliver of original installation certificate from CICPA to DCMA or MoEI.
• Copy of 12-13 months for insurance certificate.
• Copy of valid annual berth contract issued by marine club or marina in the Emirate.

Commercial Marine Craft Registration

Commercial Marine Crafts are broken down into three categories:

• Commercial Marine Crafts – Training, Patrolling and Rescuing, Towing and Pilotage and Cargo Transportation.
• Tourist Marine Crafts – Water Sports, Tourist Marine Craft, Non-Wooden & Wooden Floating Restaurants and Wooden Tourist Yachts.
• Public Water Transport – Water Taxis, waterbus, Ferry or Abras.

Document requirements for commercial boat registration:

• A valid Dubai-issued trade licence
• Submit copies of Emirates IDs and passports of the company shareholder(s)
• All other document requirements outlined in pleasure marine craft registration process steps 3-7.

Additional documents required for registration if used for public transportation:

• No objection certificate (NOC) and a statement of marine craft route, dates of service and rated speed from the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA).
• GCC code certificate (for all non-wooden commercial marine transports of length above 12 meters).
• Copy of classification or GCC certificate (for commercial marine transports that are 24 meters or above).

Applicants need to present GCC certificates to the inspector at the time of technical inspection. Once this inspection is complete further documentation is required to be submitted:

A boat licence is valid for one year and can be renewed. The renewal application should be completed one month before the licence expiry date, as late renewal can result in penalties and fines.

Other Marine Services

Registering a marine craft in the UAE can be a long and complicated process whether being used for pleasure or commercial purposes. On top of the registration, there are also numerous other yacht and marine-related services that you should consider for overall maintenance and compliance for boat ownership. Some of the other key services relating to maintenance requirements include:

Corporate, VAT & Registration

• Marine craft licence issuance, renewals, and cancellation (boat registration in the UAE)
• Company management – legal considerations
• NOC application assistance
• VAT registration and returns
• Anchorage permits
• Foreign yacht permit issuance
• Bank account opening assistance

Marine Craft Management

• Document drafting and attestation services i.e. Certificate of Competency (CoC)
• Financial Management & Insurance
• Accounting & Bookkeeping – Bank statements and reconciliations, budgeting etc.

Crew Administration and Payroll

• Marine / Seafarer’s licenses
• Seafarer’s Discharge Book
• Flag state endorsement for work on UAE ships
• Employment agreement
• Seafarers bank accounts

Read more about Sovereign Marine Services here

If you are interested in boat and yacht registration in Dubai, boat registration in Abu Dhabi or any other Emirate, please get in touch with PRO Partner Group. We can advise you on the boat registration requirements in your Emirate and provide you with boat registration fees. We would be delighted to assist you through our designated boat registration services team.

Register a boat in the UAE

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The Ultimate Guide to Boat Registration in Dubai

Navigating Maritime Regulations: A Closer Look

In the bustling maritime landscape of Dubai, registering your marine craft is as essential as registering a car. Since its establishment in 2007, the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has significantly transformed the emirate’s maritime sector. Offering a range of services for individuals, businesses, and government entities, the DMCA facilitates the acquisition of marine transport registration and driving licenses, shaping policies and safety measures to ensure a safe and efficient maritime environment.

Steps to Register Your Boat in Dubai

Boat registration in Dubai is a process tailored to meet the needs of various marine craft categories. It begins with a visit to the DMCA Happiness Centre or through the DMCA smart portal, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all.

Location for Inquiries: Maritime Business Centre, Dubai Maritime City. Online Portal: eservices.dmca.ae Smart Application: Available for Android and iOS devices

Upon document submission, the registration process proceeds with an online fee payment through the DMCA smart application. Marine crafts are categorized into pleasure water sports, pleasure marine crafts, and commercial marine crafts, each requiring a distinct registration process.

Detailed Breakdown by Craft Category

For Pleasure Water Sport Marine Crafts: Jet skis and speed boats fall into this category, undergoing a two-phase registration. Initially, applicants must provide identification documents, ownership proof, or registration cancellation certificates for previously registered crafts. A technical inspection follows, leading to the second stage where insurance and technical inspection certificates are updated on the DMCA platform.

For Pleasure Marine Crafts: Yachts and cruises also follow a two-stage process, with additional documentation required for those exceeding certain lengths or intending to carry more than 12 passengers. Safety and security installations by the Coast Guard are also prerequisites for the second stage.

For Commercial Marine Crafts: This category covers a broad spectrum of commercial operations, requiring additional documents such as the No Objection Certificate from the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) and GCC code certificates for non-wooden crafts exceeding 12 meters in length. The registration concludes similarly to pleasure crafts, emphasizing technical and insurance certification.

Licence Issuance and Renewal

Upon completion of the registration, an electronic copy of the boat licence is sent out, valid for one year with renewal options available through the DMCA portal or in-person at a Happiness Centre. Commercial and pleasure water sport crafts also receive a safe manning certificate, highlighting the authority’s commitment to maritime safety.

Understanding DMCA Service Fees

The DMCA mandates a nominal fee of AED 120 for marine craft licence registration, with varying charges for technical inspections and certificate issuances depending on the craft type. Fees can escalate to AED 2020 for inspections conducted outside Dubai, underlining the cost implications of the registration process.

Embrace Dubai’s Maritime Opportunities

Dubai’s registered marine crafts offer endless possibilities, from leisurely yacht cruises to adrenaline-pumping water sports. Whether you’re investing in a new vessel or a pre-loved craft, securing registration with the DMCA is your first step towards unlocking the full potential of Dubai’s vibrant maritime scene.

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A Brief Guide To The Process of Registering Your Yacht in Dubai

12th May 2023

Registration of your yacht in Dubai will give you legal ownership of the vessel. It will make it easier to sell or transfer the yacht in the future and allow you to avail any marine service Dubai if you’re planning to berth your yacht during your stay.

Step 1: Gather the required documents.

The following documents are required to register a yacht in Dubai:

• Application form
• Proof of ownership
• Technical inspection certificate
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of payment of registration fees

Step 2: Submit the application.

You can submit the application form and the required documents to the DMCA in person or by mail.

Step 3: Pay the registration fees.

The registration fees must be paid in cash or by credit card.

Step 4: Receive your registration certificate.

The DMCA will issue a registration certificate for your yacht once the application has been processed.

Please note that the registration process can take a few weeks to complete, so it is important to start the process early.

Once you have registered your vessel in Dubai, you can enjoy the many benefits of berthing in a luxury marina Dubai. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can look forward to the following:

• Lower berthing fees. Dubai’s ports are less crowded during the summer months, so fees for yacht berthing in Dubai are typically lower.
• Fewer crowds. Dubai is a popular tourist destination, but the summer months are typically less crowded than other times of the year. This means that you’ll have more space to yourself and won’t have to wait in long lines for attractions.
• Good weather for water sports. The summer months in Dubai are hot and sometimes humid. The water temperature is warm, making it a great time for water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
• Discounts on activities and attractions. Aside from discounts for using a wet berth Dubai, businesses offer discounts during the summer months to attract visitors. This is a great way to save money on things like tours, museum admissions, and shopping.
• Chance to experience the city’s festivals. Dubai hosts several festivals during the summer months, making it a great way to experience the city’s culture and diversity.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect location for long-term berthing for your superyacht or you just need a place to leave your yacht unattended during your stay in Dubai for summer, P&O Marinas can cater to your requirements.

Our world-class luxury marinas are equipped with the necessary facilities and services that will allow you to enjoy a worry-free summer holiday in Dubai.

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How to register your own private boat

Anyone can own a boat in the uae, given they follow a six-step registration process..

14 July, 2012

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DUBAI // With 360 days of sunshine, it is little wonder boating is such a popular pastime here. Any resident can own a private boat or yacht in the UAE, but it must be registered with the National Transport Authority (NTA) . This involves two trips to the NTA and two to the Coast Guard (including one trip with your boat). First, gather your Emirates ID card, passport and visa copies, and original receipts and sales agreements for the boat. If you bought the boat second hand, you'll need a deletion certificate from the previous owner. You'll also need an Arabic letter from your boss, confirming the doesn't mind you having a boat. Then it's the NTA office in Port Rashid between 8am and 2pm. There, you'll fill out a form with your boat's specifications and confirming it has an anchor, torch, first aid kit, distress flares, navigation lights and life jackets. They will hand you some forms, which need to be taken to the Coast Guard's inspection office . Hand over your documents, sign a couple forms and you'll get a registration number. That number must be in 6-inch tall stickers fixed to both sides of your boat. Now a final inspection: sail your boat to the Coast Guard dock next to Port Rashid. If you need a transponder, you'll need to pay them a Dh7,000 deposit to get one. If your boat passes, you'll be given an inspection certificate. Return that to the NTA office, pay a Dh520 fee and collect your registration card. [email protected]

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Boat Registration in Dubai

Dubai is known for its eccentricity and the expensive lifestyle. The coast of the Persian Gulf is a prime location not only for the city’s exquisite construction projects, like the man-made islands, but also an ideal location for sea sports lovers. With a wide access to the Arabian Golf, Dubai is accommodating many types of marine crafts. Some of the boats have as purpose recreation or tourism, others might be commercial crafts. Regardless of the type of boat that you intend to acquire and use, you will have to apply for registration at Dubai authorities.  Our law firm in Dubai  can offer you support with the documentation needed in order to register your marine craft in this city. 

Table of Contents

Registering a boat in Dubai

The main condition to be able to own a boat in Dubai is to be a resident. Foreign business owners, who want to own a boat or yacht in the UAE, must firstly relocate to the Emirates or obtain a visa.

According to the  Maritime Law ,  the procedure of  boat  registration in Dubai  consists of several steps. First you must fill an application form to the Dubai Maritime City Authority. Afterwards, you should gather the list of documents required in order to obtain the Marine Craft Licensing. You have to take in consideration as well the fees which need to be payed at this step of the registration. 

The documents required to register a vessel in Dubai are as following:

• • licensing application form;
• • original manufacturing certificate;
• • valid technical inspection certificate;
• • a copy of the title deed;
• • a copy of the cancellation of registration, if the boat was previously owned by somebody else;
• • the original bill of sale for the boat and original customs clearance certificate;
• • identification documents for the individual or company requesting the registration.

The next important step is the reservation of a name for your maritime craft. Consequently you are required to install the number of the craft and to go through an inspection process. Another mandatory element is obtaining of the marine craft license and the certificate which grants the minimum safety for the boat. 

Other additional steps consist in the installation of a GPS tracker, a measure which is imposed by the Coastguard. For boats which reach waters deeper than 36 Ft (fathom=1.8288 meters), the owner must install as well a VHF device which is used for radio comunication and digital selections of the calls. 

Our lawyers in Dubai  are ready to offer you legal assistance with the  boat registration procedure in Dubai . 

If you are interested in new ways of moving to the United Arab Emirate, you can apply for a  freelance visa for Dubai . Please mind that you need to meet specific criteria to qualify for it, and in this case, you can address our lawyers to verify if you meet the eligibility criteria. So, do not hesitate to get in touch with us for guidance and support. 

Types of marine crafts provided in the Dubai legislation

Marine crafts, as defined by the law in Dubai, can be categorized into three categories:

• • pleasure marine craft with engines: jet sky, boats up to 12 m, between 12 and 24 m or over 24 m;
• • pleasure marine craft without an engine: rowing or sailing;
• • traditional wooden crafts;
• • commercial marine craft: for public transportation, cargo transportation, etc.

Renewal of boat license in Dubai

Many of those who decide to  set up a company in the maritime sector   need to renew anually their marine license in Dubai. The documents that must be filed are the original marine license, copies of the passport or resident ID, the proof of payment for the insurance policy, the trade license, if there is the case and the proof of payment for the renewal tax of 310 Dhs.

Deregistration of a boat is also possible as well as the registration of a maritime craft on behalf of several owners. The penalty for delaying the renewal of your registration is 200 Dhs.

In case you are interested in  registering your marine craft in Dubai  you can count on the  legal services  of our  attorneys in Dubai , who can help you gather all needed documents for this procedure. Don’t hesitate to  contact  us for a simple and fast  boat registration in Dubai . 

The Shipping and Maritime Industry Is the Backbone of International Trade – Explaining The Registration of Ships and Getting Licenses from The Regulatory Authorities In UAE

06 Oct 2022

Introduction

Shipping is beneficial to everyone in the world, although few people are aware of this. We transport medications, food, technology, and memories. Low-cost and effective maritime transport is crucial to growth and sustainable development as the world's population continues to increase, especially in developing nations. The benefits of trade and commerce are distributed more fairly thanks in part to shipping. Every country relies on maritime trade to buy and sell goods since no nation is totally self-sufficient. In the form of raw materials, components, or finished goods, a large portion of what we use and consume on a daily basis has been transported by water or will be in the future. Federal Law Number. 26 of 1981 (also known as the "Commercial Maritime Law") is the piece of legislation that controls ship registrations and ship mortgages in the UAE. According to UAE Cabinet Resolution 52 of 2006, there are two regulatory bodies in the UAE that oversee marine matters: the Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime (FTA) and the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), which was established by Dubai Law Number 11 of 2010 (the "DMCA Law"). The DMCA's regulatory and administrative authority is restricted to the Emirate of Dubai, while the FTA is the UAE's regulating body for maritime affairs. In addition to the DMCA Law and the Commercial Maritime Law

General Registration of Vessel:

The Commercial Maritime Law serves as the foundation for regulations governing vessel registration in the UAE, and the FTA serves as the nation's ship registry. A vessel may only fly the UAE flag if it is owned by a natural or legal person with UAE nationality and weighs at least 10 tonnes, according to the Commercial Maritime Law. Having a port of registration, or choosing a specific Emirate in which to register the vessel, is a requirement for vessel registration. The FTA's website is where you complete the registration process online.

Vessel Registration in Dubai: 

It is advised that such vessels be registered with the DMCA and not the FTA if they are intended for navigation in the Emirate of Dubai. No vessel may be utilized in the Emirate (Dubai), according to the Executive Regulations, "unless it is licensed and registered with the authorities," with the DMCA serving as such authority. Similar wording is used in the DMCA Law as well. Additionally, the Executive Regulations provide that they apply to all the  vessels navigating the waters of the Emirate

All organizations and people involved in nautical activities inside the Emirate, whether they be crew training, crew driving, crew guiding, the crew working on board, chartering, transportation by such boats, or any other maritime operation."

The terms "ship registration" and "ship licensing" are distinct in the context of the Executive Regulations; the former refers to maintaining a record of the licensed vessel's information with the DMCA, whereas the latter deals with a ship's authorization to operate in Dubai waters.

The term "Vessel" is defined in the Commercial Maritime Law, whereas "Marine Transport Means" is used in the DMCA Law. Although this is the case, the terms "Vessel" and "Marine Transport" are used in the Executive Regulations. According to the Executive Regulations, there are three types of vessels: 

• Commercial Vessels:
• Pleasure available for charter 
• Vessels using Dubai’s ports
• Vessels used in construction
• Vessels for guiding and towing
• Public transport vessels
• Ships used for shipping goods
• Pleasure Vessels: boats designed for recreational and sporting activities. Among others, they consist of the following: aquatic scooters, vessels less than 12 a meter long, and vessels between 24 meters long. rowing and ailing boats (non-powered pleasure vessels) 
• Traditional Wooden Vessels,": vessels primarily composed of wood, Abbra wooden pleasure boats floating restaurants made of wood.

Applications for registration and licensing are submitted online via the DMCA website, which contains all necessary information. The applicant can also take help from reputed shipping law experts if there is any need for legal clarification. The information needed by the DMCA to register a ship is the same information that reputable ship registries typically need. Following technical inspections by the DMCA and the production of proof of current comprehensive insurance supplied by an insurer licensed in the UAE, among other conditions, licenses are valid for one year and renewed. Owners of ships should be aware that permits will be revoked if they are not renewed within a year of their expiration date.

Mortgages on Yachts Registered in Dubai:

Obviously, a ship mortgage needs to be documented at the registry where the target ship is documented. Any mortgages secured by a ship flying the flag of the UAE should be reported to the FTA, which is the country's ship registry. However, if the "UAE ship" is not registered with the FTA itself, it becomes unclear where a mortgage should be recorded. If the ship is registered with the DMCA rather than the FTA, this scenario could arise (as discussed earlier).

The DMCA is required to carry out a number of "duties and competencies" under the DMCA Law, including "[r]regulating all legal acts linked to Marine Transport Means such as selling and mortgage."

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• September 2020

UAE ship registration and mortgages over dubai-registered yachts

Omar N. Omar - Partner, Head of Transport & Insurance - Insurance / Shipping, Aviation & Logistics

Gabriel Yuen - Associate, Transport, Trade & Logistics

The importance of the shipping industry in the Middle East is unquestionable, with gulf states continuously seeking to grow their maritime capabilities and allied industries. This article provides a general overview of the laws on registration of ships in the United Arab Emirates, and comments on registering mortgages over Dubai-registered pleasure yachts.

Statutory sources

The legislation governing ship registrations and ship mortgages in the UAE is Federal Law No. 26 of 1981 (‘Commercial Maritime Law’). There are two UAE regulators concerning maritime matters, the Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime (‘FTA’) per UAE Cabinet Resolution 52 of 2006, and the Dubai Maritime City Authority (‘DMCA’) per Dubai Law No. 11 of 2010 (‘DMCA Law’). The FTA is the UAE regulator of maritime affairs, while the DMCA’s regulatory and administrative competence is limited to the Emirate of Dubai. Besides the Commercial Maritime Law and the DMCA Law, there are other laws concerning vessel registration and navigation in the UAE, including Cabinet Resolution No. 52 of 2006 on the powers of the FTA (‘Cabinet Resolution 52/2006’), Resolution No. 30 of 2014 regarding navigation licenses (‘Federal Resolution 30/2014’), and the Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2013 on the Promulgation of the Executive Regulations of the DMCA Law (‘Executive Regulations’).

Ship registrations – general

The FTA is the UAE national ship registry, and the Commercial Maritime Law is the starting point for laws concerning vessel registration in the UAE. According to the Commercial Maritime Law, a vessel may acquire the UAE flag only if it is owned by a natural or legal person of UAE nationality, and weighs at least 10 tonnes. Registration of vessels involves having a port of registration, which means selecting a particular Emirate in which to register the vessel. The registration process is performed online via the FTA’s website.

Dual-flagging is not available in the UAE and there is no bareboat charterparty registry. Registrations of bareboat charterparties however is available in its neighbouring jurisdiction, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We receive instructions concerning this but this topic is not within the scope of this article. Please get in touch with us should you wish to discuss about registrations of bareboat charterparties in Saudi Arabia.

Ship registrations – Dubai

Should the vessel be intended for navigations in the Emirate of Dubai, it is suggested that such vessels be registered with the DMCA and not the FTA. The Executive Regulations state, “ no vessel may be used in the Emirate (Dubai) unless it is licensed and registered with the authority ”, the latter authority being the DMCA. The DMCA Law utilises similar language as well. The Executive Regulations also provides that it applies to:

“ a. All the vessels sailing in the waters of the Emirate

• All the entities and individuals engaged in any maritime activity in the Emirate related to the use, driving, guidance or work on board of the vessels, crew training, chartering, transportation by such vessels or any such other activity. ”

It is important to note that ship registration and ship licensing are different concepts under the Executive Regulations; the former concerns having a record of the licensed vessel’s details with the DMCA, whilst the latter pertains to the permission for a ship to navigate in Dubai waters.

The Commercial Maritime Law uses the defined term “ Vessel ” but the DMCA Law uses “ Marine Transport Means ”. Notwithstanding that, the Executive Regulations employ the terms “ Vessel ” and “ Marine Transport ”. The Executive Regulations also specify that there are three categories of vessels, being “ Commercial Vessels ”, “ Pleasure Vessels ”, and “ Traditional Wooden Vessels ”, which are elaborated in the below table:

Registration and licensing applications are submitted online via the DMCA’s website where full details and information are provided. The details required by the DMCA for registering a ship are the usual details that well regarded ship registries require.

Licenses are valid for one year, and renewable following technical inspections by the DMCA and submission of proof of valid comprehensive insurance issued by a UAE-licensed insurer, among other requirements. Ship owners should note that licenses will be cancelled if it is not renewed within one year from its date of expiry.

Mortgages over Dubai-registered pleasure yachts

Naturally, a ship mortgage should be registered at the registry where the subject ship is registered. In this regard, any mortgages over a UAE-flagged ship should be registered with the national ship registry, that being the FTA. However, a question arises where a mortgage should be registered if the ‘UAE ship’ is not registered with the FTA itself. Such a situation may occur where the ship is registered with the DMCA rather than the FTA (as discussed earlier).

Pursuant to the DMCA Law, the DMCA must perform several “ duties and competences ” including “ [r]egulating all legal actions related to Marine Transport Means such as selling and mortgage ”. At the time of preparing this article, it is understood that no mortgages over any ships or yachts have been registered at the DMCA. Whilst the DMCA requires mortgages over DMCA-registered pleasure yachts to be registered with the DMCA, there are alternatives that yacht owners or lenders may consider (which are outside the scope of a brief article).

The UAE is a union of seven Emirates co-operating closely with each other to introduce legislation that concern activities across the country. Further, each Emirate may pass laws concerning issues within its own jurisdiction. Any potential ship owner in the UAE is advised to consider UAE-wide and individual Emirate legal obligations and responsibilities early in the ship purchase process: the financing options and procedures; waters in which the subject ship would be navigating; and registrations issues. This will assist the owner (and lender) to achieve their objectives efficiently.

For further information, please contact Omar Omar ( [email protected] ) o r Gabriel Yuen ( [email protected] ).

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Taking Care of your Maritime needs Since 2011

Marine Registration Services provides a multitude of services to the local and  international maritime market. Taking care of Boats & Yachts in the UAE since  2011.  We are approved by the following Government entities to provide our customers with all marine  related services.

FEDERAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY (FTA) DUBAI MARITIME CITY AUTHORITY (DMCA) EMIRATES CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY (TASNEEF) TELECOMMUNICATION REGULATORY AUTHORITY (TRA) UAE COAST GUARD

We are authorized service agents for Emirates Classification Society (TASNEEF) to carry out vessel inspections and surveys led by our in house naval architectural  team. We handle all the requirements laid out by the local authorities for vessels  that fall under the new G.C.C code where certain technical requirement are now a must to complete the new registration process in the U.A.E.

OFFERING ALL TYPES OF VESSEL REGISTRATION SERVICES

Our services covers the following categories.

Vessel Registration & Renewal

Trim and Stability Booklets

Inclining experiments

General arrangements

Lines plan and offset tables

Tank calibrations

Tank arrangement and capacity plan Structural drawings

Light shift / draft Survey

Fire & Safety plan

Freeboard calculations

Equipment Number calculations

Resistance and powering calculations

Damage Stability

Tonnage calculations

Boat Driving License / Seaman affairs

Safety Equipment supply

TOURISM – COMMERCIAL – PLEASURE – SAILING

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Pleasure Vessel Registration & Renewal

New registration.

Original Vessel Invoice

Passport & Visa Copy

Emirates National ID copy

Boat driving license issued by DMCA

Berthing agreement copy or a boat trailer registration

Vessel Insurance

AED 7000/- Transponder deposit

Original Registration card

Original VHF License

Berthing agreement or trailer registration

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Commercial Vessel Registration & Renewal

Trade License copy

Dubai Chamber copy

Establishment Card copy

Original Seaman card of Crew

Documents of Authorized Signatory

Original Registration Licenses

Original Seaman’s Card of Crew

Establishment card copy

Foreign Vessel Registration & Renewal

Original Vessel Registration

Customs Papers

Coast Guard & Immigration Permits

Berthing agreement copy

Shipping Letter

Vessel Captain Documents

Vessel Crew Documents

Original Foreign Registration

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Boat Registration in Dubai, UAE

If you own a private yacht or boat in Dubai it is mandatory that the boat is registered with the NTA and the Coastguard. Subsequently, if you are planning on buying or selling a boat in Dubai then you’ll need to know the process to get this done, or enlist the help of somebody who does.

As many UAE-expats will tell you, processes and procedures in the region can become lengthy and complicated – and boat registration is no exception. To give you a helping hand we thought we’d give you a step by step guide to ease the pain. We know, we’re too kind.

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Dubai Maritime Authority

117774 Dubai, UAE

Toll-Free Number: 800 990

Fax: +971 4 3452234

E-mail: [email protected]

• Documents required

Documents Required:

Requirements for Private Vessel

Below are baseline requirements for new registration and renewal for private vessels. If further assistance is needed to obtain the below details let us know so we can advise you accordingly.

New Registration;

• Salary Certificate 
• Medical report 
• Original Vessel Invoice
• Valid Passport & Visa Copy
• Valid Emirates National ID copy
• Valid original driving license issued by DMCA
• Valid berthing agreement or trailer registration
• Valid vessel Insurance
• Transponder deposit for UAE cost Guard  (7,000 AED)

For Renewals we need the below;

• Original Registration card
• Original VHF License
• Valid Emirates ID copy
• Valid boat driving license issued by DMCA
• Valid Berthing agreement or trailer registration
• Valid vessel insurance

Requirements for Commercial vessel

Below are baseline requirements for new registration and renewal for commercial vessels. If further assistance is needed to obtain the below details let us know so we can advise you accordingly.

NEW REGISTRATION

• Valid UAE Trade License copy
• Valid UAE Dubai Chamber copy
• Valid Establishment Card copy
• Valid original FTA driving license of Crew
• Valid original DMCA driving license 
• Documents of Authorized Signatory
• Original registration licenses
• Valid original FTA Driving license of captain & crew
• Valid original DMCA driving license captain & crew
• Valid Vessel Insurance
• Valid Dubai Chamber of commerce copy
• Valid Establishment card copy

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AN ultra-luxury megayacht designed like a military-style aircraft carrier promises to be a sheikh's paradise at sea.

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• United Arab Emirates

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