Issuing ship to ship operation (hydrocarbon cargo) permits in Dubai waters.

Monitoring and issuing ship to ship operation (hydrocarbon cargo) permits under supervision of the DMCA approved STS provider.

Ship to Ship service providers.

24 hours through DMCA operation email (STS@dmca.ae) or through DMCA e-services portal (https://eservices.dmca.ae) or Smart DMCA mobile app.

Not applicable

After completing all required documents, the permit for inter-vessel liquid petroleum transportation shall be issued in two stages as follows:

First Stage: request assessment

Required Documents:

1. Updated Q88.
2. P&I Certificate.
3. CLC Certificate.
4. Certificate of Fitness (Gas/Chemical).
5. STS Operation Plan.
6. IOPP Certificate.
7. STS Checklist as per ICS/OCIMF.
8. Mooring Arrangement.
9. Risk Assessment
10. Crew List.
11. IMO Ballast Water Exchange Report.
12. Cargo MSDS
13. Hoses & Fenders Certificates.
14. POAC Qualification & Experiences

Second Stage: permit issuance

After reviewing all required documents, e-permit for inter-vessel liquid petroleum transportation shall be issued, in addition to an invoice that also includes permit fees. The shipping agent shall pay all required fees in no more than one week from permit date of issue. DMCA reserves its rights to reject the application in case the concerned party fails to meet the requirements, or postpone the operation in accordance with the weather conditions. Additionally, DMCA inspectors shall have the right to visit the site in order to ensure its compliance with safety standards and marine rules.

Obligations of Certified Facilities supervising Goods Transportation

Certified facilities supervising goods transportation shall comply with the following:

1. Apply for prior goods transportation operation approval by not less than (48) hours from commencement of operation.
2. First alignment rope between marine Vessels shall be sent before sunset and goods transportation shall commence in anchoring area (D).
3. Provide all human resources required for each transportation operation and comply with labourers work and break hours throughout.
4. Provide DMCA with audit statement of HSE requirements and procedures for each marine Vessel.
5. No catering, water, fuel or any similar items shall be supplied to marine Vessels during transportation operations unless required and upon DMCA approval.
6. Rubber fenders and hoses used in transportation operation shall be in line with the International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from ships (“MARPOL”), and standards and guidelines of Oil Companies International Marine Forum (“OCIMF”.)
7. Transportation operation shall not proceed if the waves are more than two meters high or wind speed more than (25) knots and shall be immediately ceased in case of any change in weather conditions that may affect maritime or environment safety.
8. Provide sufficient night light, and surround operation area between oil tankers with rubber floaters to prevent oil pollution in case of oil spillage.
9. The facility shall not be owner or operator of any marine Vessel taking part in goods transportation operation.
10. Supervisor of goods transportation operation shall be always be aboard the participating marine Vessels until operation is concluded.
11. Inform DMCA immediately in case of technical problems pertaining to management of transportation operation or participating marine Vessels. In case of accidents of any nature, the captain of each marine Vesseland supervisor shall provide DMCA with reports immediately upon occurrence.

Requirements and Standards for Appointing Transportation Supervisor

A. The individual appointed to supervise goods transportation operation shall:

1. Be familiar with local and federal legislations in general and regulations issued by DMCA in particular.
2. Hold valid marine captain level competency certificate approved for work on dangerous goods carriers.
3. Experienced in marine Vessels alignment and supervision over goods transportation operation, especially in the last six (6) months.

B. Supervisor presence during operation shall not relive the marine Vessel captain from his duties and authorities to maintain safety of marine Vessel, crew and marine environment.

C. DMCA may reject any of the goods transportation supervisors appointed by the certified facility without giving reasons.

Precautions for Participating Marine Vessels in Goods Transportation Operation to take

Marine Vessels taking part in goods transportation operations shall take the following HSE precautions, in addition to the precautions listed in audit statements submitted to DMCA:

1. Emergency plans and marine pollution response plan shall be prepared, and crew trained on such plans with documentation of such training in the official records of each marine Vessel.
2. Comply with all HSE requirements provided in audit statement of each marine Vessel.
3. Agree on alignment between supplying and receiving marine Vessels.
4. Agree on starting signal, ceasing, decreasing or increasing the rate of goods supply, provided that the operation shall not begin until the starting signal has been received from the supervisor of the operation.
5. Anti-pollution and firefighting equipment shall be close to the locations of operation on each marine Vessel.
6. Bravo Flag (B) shall be hoisted in the daytime and the rounded red light of the spar shall be on at night.
7. Close all seacocks on each marine Vessel within the operation area.
8. Cease boiler cleaning of soot blowing.
9. Cease gas and electric welding and cutting or any underwater maintenance or cleaning work.
10. Keep updated list of names, addresses and contact details of marine pollution authorities in the emirate of Dubai.

Not Applicable

Payment can be made either in cash or through the banking network for foreign establishments/ companies at DMCA Customer Service Centers or through online payment

24 hours through DMCA operation email (STS@dmca.ae)

24 hours through DMCA e-services portal (https://eservices.dmca.ae) or Smart DMCA mobile app.

Processing time varies depending on the procedure and type of submitted application.

All our customers’ inquiries shall be handled at the same time, or within a period that does not exceed (48) hours in case the request is needed to be addressed to another division.