Those looking for a licence to ride boats or vessels, typically for recreational or professional purposes, can now take the test online. If you pass the exam, you will receive the marine licence without visiting the authority in person, according to the Dubai Maritime Authority of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).

"After submitting the required documents, applicants must pass a multiple-choice theoretical exam. The number of questions varies depending on the size of the vessel: applicants for a licence to drive boats up to 12 meters in length must answer 25 questions. In comparison, applicants for boats up to 24 meters in length must answer 50 questions," Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi, manager of Maritime Enablement, Maritime Operations Department at Dubai Maritime Authority of PCFC.

Speaking to Khaleej Times at the recently concluded Dubai International Boat Show 2025, Al Falasi explained that two types of marine licences are available: a pleasure licence for private boat owners and a commercial licence for vessels used for commercial purposes, such as tourist yachts or floating restaurants.

The application process categorises applicants based on their age and the vessel size they intend to operate. The theory test follows international maritime safety and navigation standards.

Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi

The authority provides refresher training courses for those who have previously taken training courses but have failed the theory test.

"A refresher course is available at a reduced fee of Dh500 for those renewing an expired license. This one-day course consists of a four-hour session and is designed to help applicants prepare for the license exam."

"The courses focus on rules of the road, personal survival, firefighting, fire prevention, and principles of navigation." Al Falasi added.

He explained that obtaining a marine driving license includes an application fee of Dh500 valid for five years, an exam fee of Dh600, and an additional fee of Dh20 for innovation and knowledge services," Al Falasi said.

He explained that the demand for marine licenses in the UAE is steadily increasing, with more than 2,000 licenses issued annually. In 2023, the number of marine licences issued reached 3,124, and it increased to 3,913 in 2024.

Applicants must first download the Smart DMA app and log in using UAE Pass. Once registered, they can access their profile and begin the application process. Those who have completed an accredited training course must upload their course certificate through the app. The Dubai Maritime Authority and other accredited institutions provide training programmes.

Applicants for a commercial marine licence must pass an additional practical test. Unlike pleasure licences, which allow individuals to drive private boats, commercial licences are mandatory for vessels used for business, including floating restaurants and passenger yachts, given the greater responsibilities involved in operating commercial vessels.

Crew members on tourist boats and floating restaurants must complete a specialised crowd management course given by the authority. "This training ensures that they can handle emergency evacuations for vessels carrying more than 50 passengers," he said.

Similarly, companies renting jet skis must have one certified supervisor for every five passengers. These supervisors must complete a jet ski instructor course, which the authority also offers, to ensure the safety of all participants," AlFalasi added.

The age requirements for obtaining a marine license depend on the size of the vessel. Applicants must be at least 16 to operate private boats up to 12 metres in length, 18 for boats up to 24 metres in length, and 20 for vessels over 24 metres in length. The minimum age for obtaining a commercial marine license is also 20.

AlFalasi confirmed that the process for obtaining a marine licence is the same for UAE nationals and expatriates, with identical fees, eligibility criteria and requirements for all applicants.