Issuing a Marine Driving License
Issuance of licenses for marine crafts and crew, as well as issuance of permits for various marine professions, such as marine guide, trainer and inspector.
By licensing marine craft crew, DMCA aims at increasing awareness and recognition of safety requirements, marine navigational rules, knowledge of the internal and external waters of the emirate and navigational signs in such areas.
Individuals: including UAE citizens and expatriates.
Service Provision Channels |
Service Provision Timing |
Customer Happiness Centre - Dubai Maritime City area -DMC building “Ground Floor”. |
From Monday to Thursday 08:00 am till 02:30 pm.
|
DMCA Portal and Smart applications. |
Services are available 24 hours |
Validity of Driving License / Permits
License / Permit Type | Validity from the Date of Issue | Renewable Period |
Pleasure Marine Craft Driving License | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Pleasure Marine Craft Temporary Driving License | 3 months | Non Renewable |
Commercial Marine Craft Driving License | 5 years | NA |
Abra Driving License | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Traditional Wooden Marine Craft Driving License | 5 years | NA |
Fishing Marine Craft Driving License | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Boat Driving License | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Navigation Crew Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Engine Operator Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Engine Operator Assistant Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Electrical Engineer Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Pilot Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Inspector Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Sports Trainer Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Marine Craft Driving Inspector Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Diving Inspector or Guide Permit | 5 years | Renewable for similar period |
Equivalency of Marine Certificates and Licenses
In order for DMCA to issue licenses and permits for marine professions of all types, It is required that applicants shall have completed specialised courses at certified training centres in or out of the country.. For foreign certificate holders, applicants shall request certificate or license equivalency and follow the procedures below:
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine craft crew licensing application form.
- Original copy of certificate or license.
- Copy of passport, ID and residence visa of applicant.
Upon receiving, reviewing and verifying the required documents submitted, the customer will be notified with regards to the foreign certificate equivalency application and completing the procedures for the required license or permit. The equivalency certificate shall only be valid for one month as of the date of approval.
DMCA also provides, directly through its offices or certified centres, theoretical and practical test services as well as assessment of holders of foreign or expired certificates and others, to ensure that the customer is aware of all marine craft driving requirements, laws and regulations applicable in the emirate.
Marine Craft Driving License Issuance
Marine craft driving licenses are divided into multiple categories including:
- Pleasure marine craft driving license
- Commercial marine craft driving license
- Traditional marine craft driving license
- Fishing marine craft driving license
- Marine boat driving license
1.1 Pleasure Marine Craft Driving License
DMCA may issue pleasure marine craft licenses for the following categories:
- 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 exceeding (24) meters long.
- Pleasure marine craft temporary driving license (visitor license)
Issuance of Pleasure Marine Craft Driving License for craft (crafts up to 12m, 24m and greater than 24m)
After completing all required documents, pleasure marine craft driving license will be issued in one single stage only.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and Passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of Passport and valid residence visa for expatriates.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original qualifying courses completion certificate issued by DMCA certified training centres in the UAE, or original copy of license or certificate equivalency form.
Service | Applicant age Shall Not Be Less Than |
Issuance of pleasure marine craft driving license UP to 12 | 16 years old |
Issuance of pleasure marine craft driving license UP to 24 | 18 years old |
Issuance of pleasure marine craft driving license UP to (24) Meters Long with total tonnage of (500) tons | 20 years old |
Issuance of Pleasure Marine Craft Temporary Driving License (visitor license)
After completing all required documents, pleasure marine craft driving license will be issued in one single stage only.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Copy of passport and valid visit visa provided that the applicant shall not be less than (18) years old.
- Original Copy of marine craft driving license or original copy of license or certificate equivalency form.
1.2 Commercial Marine Craft Driving License
DMCA may issue commercial marine craft driving licenses as follows:
- Commercial marine craft driving license for craft l up to (12) meters long.
- Commercial marine crafts driving license for craft up to (24) meters long.
- Commercial marine crafts driving license for craft exceeding (24) meters long.
Issuance of Commercial Marine Driving License for Craft
After completing all required documents, commercial marine craft driving license will be issued in one single stage only.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters.
- NOC from sponsor if applicant is expatriate.
- Completion certificate of qualifying courses or their equivalent issued by DMCA certified training centres in the UAE, or original copy of license or certificate equivalency form.
- Original certificate copy of marine safety courses.
- Original certificate copy of marine communication courses.
Upon receiving and reviewing all the required documents, the commercial marine craft driving license shall be issued for three years as of date of issue.
Service | Applicant Age Shall Not Be Less Than |
Issuance of Commercial marine craft driving license UP to 12 | 18 years old |
Issuance of Commercial marine craft driving license UP to 24 | 20 years old |
Issuance of Commercial marine craft driving license UP to (24) Meters Long with total tonnage of (500) tons | 20 years old |
1.3 Traditional Marine Craft Driving License
DMCA may issue traditional marine craft driving licenses as follows:
- Abra driving license
- Traditional Wooden marine craft driving license
1.3.1 Issuance of Abra Driving License
After completing all required documents, the wooden marine craft driving license will be issued in two stages:
- Submittal of all required documents and payment of practical assessment fees.
- Passing the practical assessment successfully, completing required documents and paying the driving license fees.
First Stage: Practical Training
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form .
- Filling the Abra driving training application form .
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original copy of Emirates ID and Passport for UAE nationals, and original copy of Emirates ID, Passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (18) years old.
- NOC from the sponsor if applicant is expatriate.
- Valid copy of Abra license on which the applicant will work.
- Copy of Emirates ID card and passport of Abra owner.
Upon receiving and reviewing all required documents, Abra driving training application shall be approved and valid for a month as of date of issue. Abra owner shall not allow the trainee to drive Abra without being supervised by a qualified and DMCA licensed individual. The customer shall apply for training renewal application, or book an appointment for a practical assessment within the permitted period.
Second Stage: Practical Assessment and Issuance of Driving License
Upon completing practical assessment, the customer shall submit the following documents to obtain Abra driving license.
Required Documents:
- Original copy of valid DMCA practical assessment completion certificate, or training certificate issued by approved training centre.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters.
1.3.2 Issuance of Traditional Wooden Marine Craft Driving License
After completing all required documents, the wooden marine craft driving license will be issued in one single stage.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (20) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters.
- NOC from sponsor if applicant is expatriate.
- Completion certificate of qualifying courses or their equivalent issued by DMCA certified training centres in the UAE, or original copy of license or certificate equivalency form.
- Original certificate copy of marine safety courses.
- Original certificate copy of marine communication courses.
- Upon receiving and reviewing all the required documents, the commercial marine craft driving license shall be issued for three years as of date of issue.
1.4 Fishing Marine Craft Driving License
DMCA may issue the following licenses for fishing marine craft drivers of UAE nationality only, provided that all required documents must be submitted.
- Skipper license
- Deputy Skipper license
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals.
- Copy of valid skipper or deputy skipper license issued by Ministry of Environment and Water.
- Copy of valid membership certificate of Dubai Fishermen Co-op Association.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. (eye test).
Upon receiving and reviewing all the required documents, the fishing marine craft driving license shall be issued for three years as of date of issue and renewable for a similar period.
1.5 Marine Boat Driving License
DMCA may issue Marine boat driving licenses of the following categories:
- Marine boat driving license for craft up to (12) meters long.
- Marine boat driving license for craft up to (24) meters long.
- Marine boat driving license for craft exceeding (24) meters long.
Issuance of Marine Boat Driving License
After completing all required documents, the marine boat driving license will be issued in one single stage.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Request letter from the official applicant.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (18) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Completion certificate of qualifying courses or their equivalent issued by DMCA certified training centres in the UAE, or original copy of license or certificate equivalency form.
- Certificates copy of marine safety courses (For crafts more than 12 Meters only)
- Certificate copy of marine communication course (For crafts more than 12 Meters only)
Service | Applicant Age Shall Not Be Less Than |
Issuance of Marine Boat Driving License for up to (12) Meters Long | 18 years old |
Issuance of Marine Boat Driving License for up to 24 | 20 years old |
Issuance of Marine Boat Driving License for Craft Exceeding (24) Meters Long | 20 years old |
Marine Craft Crew Permits
Marine craft crew permits are divided into the following:
- Navigation crew: navigation permit (Mariner)
- Engineering crew: operator, operator assistant, marine electrician permit
1.1 Navigation Crew Permit Issuance (Mariner)
After completing all requirements, the navigation crew permit shall be issued through one single stage.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- NOC from sponsor if applicant is expatriate.
- Original completion certificate of marine safety courses issued by any DMCA certified training centres.
1.2 Marine Engineering Crew Permit Issuance
In the field of marine engine operations, engineering crew permits depend on the capacity of the marine craft engine, and these permits authorise their holders to fill the following positions:
- Marine engine operator
- Marine engine assistant operator
- Marine electrician
Engine Operator Permit Issuance
Marine engine operator permits are divided into the following categories depending on competency and experience certificates issued by DMCA:
- Operator of marine engine below (3000) kW.
- Operator of marine engine below (1500) kW.
- Operator of marine engine below (750) kW.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (20) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- NOC from sponsor if applicant is expatriate.
- Original completion certificate of marine safety courses issued by any DMCA certified training centres.
Engine Operator Assistant Permit Issuance
Marine engine operator permits are divided into the following categories depending on competency and experience certificates issued by DMCA:
- Operator assistant of marine engine below (3000) kW.
- Operator assistant of marine engine below (1500) kW.
- Operator assistant of marine engine below (750) kW.
Required Documents
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (20) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- NOC from sponsor if applicant is expatriate.
- Original certificate in mechanics or suitable experience of no less than one year in the field.
- Original completion certificate of marine safety courses issued by any DMCA certified training centres.
Marine Electrical Engineer Permit Issuance
After completing all required documents, the marine electrical engineer permit shall be issued in one single stage.
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (20) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- NOC from sponsor if applicant is expatriate.
- Original certificate in mechanics or suitable experience of no less than one year in the field.
- Original certificate in electric engineering from a university or intermediate technical institute.
- Original copy of marine safety basic courses completion certificate.
Marine Permits
Marine permits are divided into the following categories:
- Marine pilot permit.
- Marine inspector permit.
- Marine sports trainer permit.
- Marine craft driving instructor permit.
- Diving instructor or guide permit.
1.1 Marine Pilot Permit
The applicant shall provide proof of experience in marine pilotage of not less than on year, or that he has successfully completed a training program by the entity with which he will work for not less than three months in accordance with the standards determined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (25) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- Original request letter from employer stating that the applicant works for the employer in the position of marine pilot.
- Copy of senior captain certificate issued by a country whose certificates are recognised by UAE.
1.2 Marine Inspector Permit
The applicant shall provide proof of experience in the applicable laws and legislations of the emirate, as well as the procedures and requirements for registration and licensing and technical inspection adopted by DMCA.
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (25) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters.
- Original copy of qualifications in marine engineering or marine navigation.
- Original request letter from employer stating that the applicant works as marine pilot.
Upon receiving and reviewing all the required documents, the marine inspector permit shall be issued for three years as of date of issue, and will be renewable for a similar period.
1.3 Marine sports Trainer Permit
After completing all requirements, the sports trainer permit shall be issued through one single stage.
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (20) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- Original request letter from employer stating that the applicant works as marine sports trainer.
- Proof of acquired rescue, relief and first aid skills in water.
- Training certificate in using jet skis and water sports equipment used or experience in the same field of no less than one year.
1.4 Marine Craft Driving Instructor Permit
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (22) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form.
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- Original instructor certificate from accredited local or international training centre.
- Letter from the training center to DMCA stating appointment of applicant as instructor.
- Copy of qualifications and certificate of experience as marine craft driving instructor.
1.5 Diving Instructor or Guide Permit
After completing all required documents, the diving instructor or guide permit shall be issued through one single stage.
Required Documents:
- Filling the marine crew licensing application form.
- One recent personal photograph with white-colour background.
- Original Emirates ID card and passport copy for UAE nationals, or original Emirates ID card and copy of passport and valid residence visa for expatriates provided that the applicant shall not be less than (22) years old.
- Original Copy of medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA certified medical centres. Application form no. (RTS-FRM-12).
- Original copy of valid good conduct certificate issued by Dubai Police General Headquarters
- Original diving instructor certificate from accredited local or international training centre.
- Letter from the training center to DMCA stating appointment of applicant as diving instructor.
- Copy of qualifications and certificate of experience in diving.
- Medical centres certified by DMCA
- Training centres and institutes certified by DMCA
Service | Fees |
Issuance of pleasure marine craft driving license | AED 620 |
Issuance of commercial marine craft driving license | AED 920 |
Abra driving Test | AED 120 |
Abra driving license issuance | AED 220 |
Traditional marine craft driving license issuance | AED 320 |
Fishing marine craft driving license issuance | AED 920 |
Marine craft driving license issuance | AED 920 |
Marine boat driving license issuance | AED 920 |
Mariner permit issuance | AED 320 |
Marine engine operator permit issuance | AED 770 |
Marine engine operator assistant permit issuance | AED 470 |
Marine electrical engineer permit issuance | AED 770 |
Marine pilot permit issuance | AED 920 |
Marine inspector permit issuance | AED 920 |
Marine sports trainer permit issuance | AED 1020 |
Marine craft driving instructor permit issuance | AED 1,020 |
Diving trainer or guide permit issuance | AED 1,020 |
Payment can be made in cash to the Customer Service Centers of Dubai Maritime City Authority or through portal electronic payment gateway.
From Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am till 01:00 pm
The service is available during official holidays using the DMCA service portal or mobile app.
Processing time varies depending on the procedure, type of requested license and experience certificates
All our customers’ inquiries shall be handled at the same time, or within a period that does not exceed (48) hours in case the request is needed to be addressed to another division.
Apply Online
Customer shall contact DMCA call center through:
- Toll free No 800990 or send email to [email protected].
- Visit DMCA website www.dmca.ae to have more information
Customer shall apply for any suggestion or complain through:
- Filling the application form and dropping it at the determined boxes available at DMCA happiness center.
- Sending email to the Government system for suggestion: esuggest.dubai.gov.ae or for complains: ecomplain.dubai.gov.ae