DMA Launches Remote Technical Inspection Service for Marine Vessel License Renewal

• Sheikh Saeed: We provide digital services that facilitate customer transactions and ensure business continuity without the need for in-person presence

As part of its efforts to promote innovation and deliver advanced digital services, the Dubai Maritime Authority, part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has announced the launch of a Remote Technical Inspection Service for the renewal of licenses for pleasure marine vessels up to 12 meters in length, pleasure water sports crafts, and foreign visiting marine vessels. This new service enables customers to complete inspection procedures easily and flexibly, in line with the highest international standards, saving time and effort while enhancing the quality of services provided.

Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Maritime Authority, stated that this service is part of the Authority’s digital transformation strategy. He highlighted that the initiative follows the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to simplify people’s lives and develop government services while adopting highly efficient operating models aimed at eliminating bureaucracy — ultimately making government services the best in the world.

Sheikh Saeed stated: "Launching the remote technical inspection service reflects our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and providing innovative solutions that keep pace with global developments. The Authority is keen to offer digital services that make it easier for customers to access services and ensure business continuity without the need for in-person visits”.

He emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing maritime compliance, noting that the service allows customers to carry out inspections smoothly while ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and quality. It also contributes to faster transaction processing and improved customer satisfaction.

From his side, Hamed Hassan, Director of the Maritime Registration Department at the Dubai Maritime Authority, stated that customers can book inspection appointments through the Authority’s online portal or by submitting a request to the Maritime Registration Department. Once the booking is confirmed, payment is completed, and the required inspection checklist is fulfilled, the customer will receive a secure link to proceed with the remote technical inspection.

At the scheduled time, both the inspector and the customer will join a virtual session where the customer will follow the inspector’s instructions and present the required elements according to the approved checklist. The session will be recorded — after informing and obtaining the customer's consent — in line with the transparency and digital governance standards adopted by the Dubai Maritime Authority.

At the end of the inspection, the inspector will prepare a report outlining the results, which will be emailed to the customer and also made available for download through their personal account on the Authority’s online portal.