What licence do you need to drive your boat or jet ski?

In Dubai you need a Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) driving licence for the size of boat you drive; in Abu Dhabi the small boat licence comes from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure after an approved course.¹²

What does Dubai ask for?

For a full licence DMA asks for the application form, a photo, your Emirates ID and passport (and residence visa for expatriates), a medical fitness certificate from a DMA-certified centre, and a course certificate from a DMA-certified training centre, or an equivalency for a foreign licence. The licence is valid five years and costs AED 620. A visitor licence needs a passport, a visit visa and your existing licence.¹

Book the medical and the course first; DMA issues the licence once both certificates are in.

What does Abu Dhabi ask for?

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy runs a pleasure boat course for boats under 12 metres to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s standard. After the exam the Academy applies to the Ministry for the small boat driving licence. The minimum age is 16 for boats up to 12 metres, and a non-citizen must hold UAE residency. The Academy says the licence is valid for one year and renewed each year.²

Abu Dhabi’s marine craft code says a marine driving licence is valid for up to five years.³ The two figures differ; ask the Ministry which applies to yours.

Do you need a licence to ride a jet ski?

If you rent from a licensed operator in Abu Dhabi, Visit Abu Dhabi says you do not need your own licence; you must be at least 16. To ride your own jet ski there, it says you need an Abu Dhabi Maritime or recognised international licence.⁴ In Dubai, rental firms may not rent jet skis to anyone under 16.⁵

Why does the licence matter for your insurance?

Your policy may require it. GIG Gulf requires the boat to be under the command of a competent person with relevant qualifications or at least 12 months’ experience on a similar craft.⁶ In Dubai the owner may not let someone without a licence navigate the vessel.⁷

Keep a copy of every skipper’s licence with the boat’s papers.

The small print

• Dubai. A commercial craft driving licence costs AED 920 and needs a good conduct certificate from Dubai Police.¹ Dubai’s fee schedule lists AED 600 for a recreational vessel master’s permit; DMA’s page lists AED 620.⁸
• Navigating without a permit in Dubai is fined AED 1,000.⁸