To ensure that safe towing operations that are conducted in UAE waters and ports are following International and National regulations, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Maritime Administration of United Arab Emirates, operators must adhere to certain procedures.
More specifically, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, informed that operators should take note of the following:
- Towing operations are conducted in reference to the Circular No. 884 of 1998 (Guidelines for Ocean Safe Towing), issued by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization.
- Towing operations are conducted in U.A.E waters and ports after obtaining the Towage Approval Certificate from one of the companies approved by the UAE Maritime Administration. Vessels with towing combinations arriving at UAE Ports from International voyages must submit the Towage Approval Certificate to the port of arrival in UAE.
- Towing operations commenced from UAE ports after obtaining the approval from the Harbormaster and verification on the weather condition for the intended voyage as indicated in the Towage approval certificate.
- All vessels engaged in the towing operation must have valid insurance coverage for the intended voyage
- Port authorities must verify that all vessels engaged in towing operations have nominated local UAE agency.