Hundreds of boaters in deep end in police speed-gun trial

There were 200 speeding violations during the trial phase of the radar guns and police and maritime authorities have promised to heavily fine offenders.

New radar guns are now being used in Dubai to catch boats being driven too fast. The new speed limits apply to all watercrafts, including speedboats, jet skis, yachts and floating restaurants. Sarah Dea / The NationalShow less

DUBAI // Two hundred speeding offences were recorded on Dubai’s waters during the trial phase of new radars.

Dubai Police and Dubai Maritime City Authority launched a speed awareness campaign on Tuesday and warned boaters that they would be fined heavily if they were caught speeding.

“If anyone is caught speeding along Dubai’s coast, he will be fined Dh2,000,” said Dubai Police chief, Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzaina, adding that more maritime police patrols would be deployed and they would use new hand-held radars, similar to ones used on roads.

The police chief said the campaign aimed to promote safe driving in regional waters to maintain the highest standards of maritime safety.

“Watercrafts must not exceed the speed limit of 5 knots in Dubai ports, and they must not exceed 7 knots in Dubai Creek and Mamzar,” said Maj Gen Al Muzaina.

“A speed limit of 7 knots is to be complied with in the following cases: when compelled to enter within 300metres of the beach area in case of an emergency, when passing within 50m of any boat moorage, diving platform, loading dock or ship moorage and when passing through an anchoring area of small marine vessels.”

He said that the law applied to all watercrafts, including speedboats, jet skis, yachts and floating restaurants.

The Dubai Police chief also said that the campaign’s goal was to raise awareness among young people and shed light on the best practices for safe jet-ski driving.

“Enforcing the speed limits will decrease the number of incidents off the coast of the emirate and ensure there was no loss of life or damages to property,” said Maj Gen Al Muzeina. “Two-hundred violations were recorded during the trial phase of the new radars.”

Jet-ski owners were told earlier this year to ensure their vehicles were fully licensed and registered, as part of an initiative launched by the DMCA.

Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman of DMCA, said that the speed limits enforced by Dubai Police complemented the efforts by his authority to implement the highest standards of maritime safety.

“The campaign serves as a valuable addition to the successive achievements in terms of developing and upgrading maritime regulations and operational strategies to promote industry performance, safety, efficiency and competitiveness at regional and international levels,” he said. “This is poised to facilitate Dubai’s transformation into one of the most developed maritime and trade centres of the world.”