- Pleasure Marine Craft
- Commercial Marine Craft
- Traditional Marine Craft
- Fishing Marine Craft
- Marine Boat Driving Licence
- Fees
- FAQs
A marine driving licence in Dubai is a mandatory requirement for anyone operating a vessel in the emirate. It ensures that all activity on the water is carried out safely, responsibly and in line with the standards set by the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA).
The DCMA maintains a structured licensing framework tailored to different activities, including leisure boats, yachts, commercial craft and specialised roles. This guarantees that every operator meets the required competency standards for safe and responsible navigation.
How to Apply for a Boat Driving Licence In Dubai
Applicants can apply through two official channels:
- DMCA Customer Happiness Centre (Dubai Maritime City – DMC Building, Ground Floor)
- DMCA eServices Portal and Smart App (available 24/7)
Service Timings (Centre)
- Monday–Thursday: 08:00 am – 02:30 pm
- Friday: 08:00 am – 11:30 am
- Closed on official public holidays
The process typically starts with document submission, followed by verification and, in some cases, practical or theoretical assessments.
Equivalency for Foreign Certificates
If your marine training or licence was obtained outside the UAE, you must apply for an equivalency assessment before proceeding with licensing.
Required Documents
- Equivalency application form
- Copy of marine licence or training certificate
- Emirates ID and passport copy (residents)
- Passport and residence visa copy (expatriates)
Once approved, DMCA issues an equivalency confirmation valid for one month, after which applicants must complete the remaining licensing steps or assessments.
Types of Marine Licences in Dubai
DCMA issues licences and permits across three main groups:
Marine Craft Driving Licences
- Pleasure craft licence
- Commercial craft licence
- Traditional craft licence
- Fishing craft licence
- Marine boat driving licence
Marine Crew Permits
- Navigation (Mariner) permit
- Marine engine operator and assistant permits
- Marine electrical engineer permit
Specialised Marine Permits
- Marine pilot permit
- Marine inspector permit
- Marine sports trainer permit
- Marine craft driving instructor permit
- Driving instructor or guide permit
Pleasure Marine Craft Driving Licence
This licence covers recreational marine activity, including jet skis and speed boats.
Vessel Categories
- Up to (12) metres
- Up to (24) metres
- Above (24) metres
- Temporary visitor licence (non-renewable, 3 months)
Requirements
- Application form
- Personal photograph with a white-coloured background
- Emirates ID card and Passport copy
- Medical fitness certificate issued by DMCA-certified centres
- Approved training certificate or equivalency document
Minimum Age
- 12m: 16 years
- 24m: 18 years
- Above 24m: 20 years
Commercial Marine Craft Driving Licence
Required for operating marine vessels for business or commercial use.
Additional Requirements
- Good conduct certificate (Dubai Police)
- NOC from sponsor (for expatriates)
- Marine safety course certificate
- Marine communication course certificate
Minimum Age
- 12 metres: 18 years
- 24 metres: 20 years
- More than 24 metres: 20 years
Validity: 5 years from the issuance date
Traditional Marine Craft Driving Licence
This category includes:
- Abra driving licence
- Traditional wooden marine craft licence
Abra Driving Licence (Two Stages)
Stage 1: Training Approval
Applicants must submit:
- Application + training form
- Passport-size photo
- Emirates ID and passport copy
- Abra registration details
- Owner’s Emirates ID and passport copy
- NOC (if applicable)
Training approval is valid for 1 month and requires supervised practice.
Stage 2: Final Assessment
Required documents include:
- Practical assessment completion certificate
- Medical fitness certificate
- Good conduct certificate
Traditional Wooden Marine Craft Licence
Issued in a single stage after document verification.
Requirements
- Application form
- Photo
- Emirates ID and passport copy
- Medical fitness certificate
- Good conduct certificate
- Training or equivalency certificate
- Marine safety and communication certificates
- NOC (if applicable)
Minimum age: 20 years
Fishing Marine Craft Driving Licence
This licence is strictly issued to UAE nationals.
Required Documents
- Application form
- Emirates ID and passport copy
- Skipper or deputy skipper licence (Ministry of Environment and Water)
- Dubai Fishermen Co-op membership certificate
- Medical fitness certificate (DMCA-approved centres)
Validity: 3 years (renewable)
Marine Boat Driving Licence in Dubai
Covers general marine boats used for private or operational purposes.
Requirements
- Application form
- Photo
- Emirates ID and passport copy
- Medical fitness certificate
- Training or equivalency certificate
- Safety and communication certificates (for larger vessels)
Minimum Age
- 12m: 18 years
- 24m: 20 years
- Above 24m: 20 years
Fees for Marine Driving Licences in Dubai
The fees for marine driving licences are as follows:
- Pleasure craft licence: AED 620
- Commercial craft licence: AED 920
- Abra test: AED 120
- Abra licence: AED 220
- Traditional licence: AED 320
- Fishing licence: AED 920
- Marine boat licence: AED 920
Validity of Marine Licences
- Most licences: 5 years (renewable)
- Fishing licence: 3 years (renewable)
- Temporary visitor licence: 3 months (non-renewable)
Processing Time and Support
- Processing time varies by licence type and applicant profile
- Some services are completed in a single stage after verification
- Customer inquiries are resolved within 48 hours
- Payment is accepted via DMCA centres and the online portal
FAQs
Who needs a marine licence in Dubai?
Anyone operating a pleasure, commercial, traditional, fishing or marine boat in Dubai’s waters needs a DMCA-issued marine driving licence or relevant permit.
What is the minimum age to obtain a marine driving licence in Dubai?
The minimum age to obtain a marine driving licence in Dubai is 16.
Can expatriates apply for a marine driving licence in Dubai?
Yes, expatriates apply for most marine driving licences in Dubai, provided they meet eligibility requirements such as valid residency, training certificates and required approvals.
Dubai marine driving licences are designed to ensure the safe, skilled and regulated operation of all marine craft. Whether for leisure, commercial or professional marine roles, DMCA provides structured pathways for certification and compliance.
Once your licence is in place, you’re one step closer to taking full advantage of Dubai’s vibrant marine lifestyle. If you’re planning to invest in your own vessel, exploring boats for sale in Dubai is a natural next step before setting sail on the emirate’s waters.
For more information on marine transport registration and driving licences, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog.
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