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:

1. Pleasure marine crafts
2. 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:

1. Use UAE Pass or submit a copy of your Emirates ID and passport. Applicant must be older than 18 years.
2. Proof of AED20,000 monthly income, a Commercial trade licence issued in Dubai or a title deed for freehold property owners.
3. Certificate of very high frequency (VHF) installation from an approved supplier (marine crafts above 35 feet)
4. Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) Environment Specification certificate (for new patrol outboard marine engines).
5. Stability booklet (licensed to carry more than 12 passengers).
6. The mortgage deed for marine craft (if applicable).
7. 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:

1. 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.
2. Copy of 12-13 months for insurance certificate.
3. 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:

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

Additional documents required for registration if used for public transportation:

1. No objection certificate (NOC) and a statement of marine craft route, dates of service and rated speed from the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA).
2. GCC code certificate (for all non-wooden commercial marine transports of length above 12 meters).
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. Copy of 12-13 months for insurance certificate.
3. Copy of valid annual berth contract issued by marine club or marina in the Emirate.

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
• Payroll
• 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.