Administrative Resolution No. (67) of 2011 Concerning the Conditions and Rules for Operating Water Taxis in the Emirate of Dubai

المادة 1

The words and expressions mentioned in this Resolution will have the same meaning assigned to them in Article (1) of the Original Resolution.

المادة 2

Without prejudice to the liability of the skipper of a Water Taxi for ensuring the safe operation of the Water Taxi and the safety of passengers, the operation of the Water Taxi is subject to the following rules: 1. The Water Taxi must be used for transporting passengers only and the number of on-board crew members and passengers must not exceed twelve (12). 2. The Water Taxi may not be used to navigate outside of the Dubai Creek if the waves are more than three (3) feet high or if the wind speed is more than fifteen (15) knots. 3. The passengers and crew members of a Water Taxi may not be allowed to sit at stern of the Water Taxi (outside of the passenger cabin) while navigating outside of the Dubai Creek. 4. All navigation and communication devices of the Water Taxi must be in a good working condition and all safety equipment must be available on-board prior to embarking on any trip. 5. The speed limits prescribed by the entities concerned with navigation in the Emirate must be observed and the Water Taxi must be driven at a safe speed at all times during any trip. 6. The international navigation rules prescribed by the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, and its amendments must be observed. 7. Constant communication with the entities concerned with navigation in the Emirate must be maintained; they must be informed of the route each trip and must be contacted upon the returning from a trip. 8. Water Taxis must be operated within the areas and between the stations prescribed by the PTA. 9. Water Taxi Fares prescribed by the Original Resolution must be observed. 10. The skipper of a Water Taxi must comply with the operating hours designated by the PTA.

المادة 3

In addition to any other fittings the PTA deems necessary, a Water Taxi must be fitted with: 1. three (3) hand-held fire extinguishers, whose size is commensurate with the size of the Water Taxi based on the technical specifications determined in the Water Taxi building contract, distributed on-board as per the safety plan; 2. information sign stating the procedures to be followed in emergencies and the methods of transmitting distress signals and establishing communication; 3. a licensed radio device that covers marine Area A1 or any other telecommunication device that functions within the Territorial Waters; 4. navigation lights as per the requirements stipulated in the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, of 1972, and its amendments; 5. SOLAS B Pack lifeboats or any alternative brand, that can accommodate the crew members and the passengers, for which there is a validity certificate issued by an international classification authority; 6. twelve (12) internationally approved lifejackets for adults and two (2) for children that are kept at an accessible place and carrying the same number as the Water Taxi; 7. two (2) internationally approved life buoys, each of which must be attached to the Water Taxi with a rope that is thirty (30) meters long and fitted with a self-igniting light; 8. a magnetic compass that can be read at night; 9. a warning device to be used where necessary; 10. marine radar or a guidebook of procedures that ensure safe navigation in low or no visibility conditions; 11. a global positioning system (GPS); 12. an automatic identification system; 13. a search light or flood lights that provide sufficient visibility in emergencies; 14. two (2) hand flares; 15. two (2) buoyant smoke signals; 16. two (2) rocket parachute flares; 17. a first-aid kit; 18. a water-resistant handheld flashlight; 19. a maintenance and repair toolbox; 20. a pump to remove the water accumulated on-board a Water Taxi; 21. ventilation system for enclosed spaces; and 22. an anchor attached to the Water Taxi with a rope whose length is commensurate to the depth of water at the operation zone.

المادة 4

The operator of a Water Taxi must: 1. maintain an on-board record in which he registers the timings of the trips, the weather and sea conditions, the conducted safety drills, and the technical condition of the Water Taxi; 2. appoint an engineer to be responsible for the technical condition of the Water Taxi, and to supervise and document all maintenance work as per the instructions of the manufacturer using the electronic maintenance programme prepared for this purpose; 3. notify the PTA on a daily basis by email of the number of its Water Taxis and the zones where they operate; 4. notify the call centre of the RTA on a daily basis of the availability of the service within the Territorial Waters; 5. notify the PTA immediately using any of the available means of communication of any breakdowns or accidents involving the Water Taxi; and subsequently prepare a detailed report on the breakdown or accident and send the report to the PTA within two (2) working days from the date of the accident or breakdown; 6. conduct continued training for the Water Taxi crew members on using the Water Taxi equipment; on safe navigation and manoeuvring techniques; and on how to deal with passengers in emergencies; and 7. ensure the cleanliness of the Water Taxi and its preparedness before transporting passengers; ensure that the Skipper maintains his personal hygiene, wears the RTA approved formal uniform, and does not eat or smoke on the Water Taxi.

المادة 5

The Fare will be collected from a passenger through any of the following methods: 1. in cash against a receipt issued to the passenger for the paid amount; or 2. by credit card, in which case, a payment confirmation receipt will be printed and delivered to the passenger. In case of network breakdown, the Fare will be collected manually by scanning the credit card and printing a receipt.

المادة 6

A Water Taxi will be chartered subject to the following: 1. The Water Taxi will be chartered for short or long periods to public or private entities for a specific amount to be agreed on based on the term of charter and the daily operating hours of the Water Taxi. 2. The charterer of the Water Taxi must undertake to use the Water Taxi exclusively for transporting passengers in accordance with the legislation in force and as per the prevailing customs and traditions. 3. Where the Water Taxi breaks down, an alternative Water Taxi will be provided to the charterer within twenty-four (24) hours; and the operator of the Water Taxi will, where required, bear the costs of towing and repairing the broken down Water Taxi.

المادة 7

The chief executive officer of the PTA will issue the instructions required for the implementation of the provisions of this Resolution.

المادة 8

This Resolution comes into force on the day on which it is issued, and will be published in the Official Gazette.