Abu Dhabi Standard Technical Committee Unveils New Maritime Guidelines To Enhance Safety And Quality

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council recently conducted its routine meeting for the second quarter of 2025. This session, led by Bader Khamis Al Shemeli, Executive Director of the Conformity and Specifications Services Sector, included representatives from 25 local government entities. The focus was on new technical documents developed by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and other stakeholders.

These documents aim to regulate maritime activities in Abu Dhabi, enhancing safety and quality. They align with the emirate's strategic goals in sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. The guidelines ensure effective implementation through a coordinated approach involving various government bodies like Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Economic Development.

During the meeting, five specialised technical manuals were introduced. These guides are based on international best practices and serve as regulatory references to improve maritime project efficiency and safety. One key document is the Abu Dhabi Guideline for Safe Maritime Activities and Operations, which provides standards for safe operations in Abu Dhabi waters.

This guideline covers commercial licensing, operational permits, and practical safety guidance for activities such as maritime leisure, ship management, anchorage, bunkering, diving, salvage and wreck removal, and hydrographic surveys. It aims to help maritime companies operate safely and effectively.

The Abu Dhabi Guideline for Safe Operation of Public Water Transport was also presented. It ensures the safe use of public maritime transport by setting minimum safety standards, licensing requirements, and operational guidelines for service providers. This guideline is crucial for operators working to protect passengers and safeguard the maritime environment.

Another manual focuses on designing small marine crafts under 24 metres. It includes leisure boats and floating homes or restaurants. The guideline provides classification guidance, technical supervision, certification requirements, and appropriate safety standards for this sector.

Infrastructure Development Standards

The meeting also highlighted the Abu Dhabi Guideline for Maritime Infrastructure. This document outlines engineering requirements for developing maritime infrastructure like jetties, waterways, seawalls, boat ramps, and water discharge outlets. It targets developers working on waterfront projects across the emirate to promote sustainable construction practices.

Additionally presented was the guideline for Safe Operations of Marine Craft. It sets minimum standards for recreational and commercial marine crafts' safe operation. This document supports owners in managing their operations safely by establishing regulatory requirements and providing standard procedures.

Commitment to Quality Enhancement

Bader Al Shemeli emphasised that adopting these guidelines reflects a commitment to enhancing quality across vital sectors like maritime industry. He stated that these documents result from collaborative efforts among various government entities aiming to improve marine operations' efficiency while reducing risks.

"The adoption of these technical guidelines for maritime activities reflects the commitment of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council to supporting the government's ongoing efforts to enhance quality," said Al Shemeli.

Strategic Steps Towards Sustainability

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli from ITC affirmed that adopting specialised guidelines is a strategic step towards developing a regulatory framework enhancing operational safety within this sector. He highlighted collaboration with strategic partners based on high standards of safety, quality, sustainability as key elements supporting economic prosperity.

"At the Integrated Transport Centre," he explained further "we are working closely with our strategic partners to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework based on highest standards."

Visionary Leadership in Maritime Sector

Capt. Saif Al Mheiri expressed pride in contributing towards advancing Abu Dhabi's maritime sector through new technical guidelines ensuring safety sustainability operational excellence across all activities aligning with emirate’s vision becoming global leader infrastructure services.

"These new technical guidelines are a significant milestone in advancing Abu Dhabi's maritime sector," stated Capt Saif Al Mheiri CEO AD Ports Group Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group.

The development of these comprehensive guidelines marks an important step forward in regulating maritime activities within Abu Dhabi while promoting innovation sustainability throughout its vital sectors contributing significantly towards achieving broader strategic goals set forth by leadership ensuring continued growth prosperity regionally globally alike without compromising environmental stewardship along way making it truly remarkable achievement worth celebrating indeed!

With inputs from WAM