Dubai Police, Civil Defense, Dubai World Security, DTCM, DP World and RTA participate in high-level exercise that yields impressive results demonstrating efficiency and readiness

January 26, 2015

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai's maritime sector, and its strategic partners have successfully carried out emergency drill exercises aboard the cruise ship Mein Schiff 2 at Mina Rashid Cruise Terminal 3. The drill, which was conducted in collaboration with Dubai Cruise Ship Task Force, saw the participation of Dubai Police, Civil Defense, Dubai World Security, DTCM, DP World and RTA--yielding impressive results demonstrating efficiency and readiness.

The exercise falls in line with the DMCA's efforts to evaluate the preparedness, competency and efficiency of the participating response teams, which also included all port facility personnel in carrying out their duties related to security and evacuation. The latest drill also aims to review the existing emergency procedures in order to maintain integration among all the aspects related to maritime safety, secure navigation and operational efficiency across Dubai's coasts.

Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA, said: "During the exercise, a staged emergency was made along with search and evacuation procedures abroad Mein Schiff 2, a cruise ship that can carry 2,000 guests and 600 crew members. The exercise was a big success due to the excellent responses made by all participating public and private individuals and organizations. We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of Dubai Cruise Ship Task Force in taking appropriate action in times of emergency situations."

Ali added: "I would also like to thank Major-General Pilot Ahmed Mohammed Bin Thani, Assistant Adjutant General of Dubai Police for Ports, for his support and participation in the drill, which reflects Dubai Police's commitment to strengthening the collaboration between us in line with our continuing efforts to raise the level of response readiness and ensure maritime safety in Dubai."

The results generated from the recently concluded exercise shows the DMCA's readiness and efficiency towards maritime emergencies across cruise ships. In line with this, the Authority remains committed in continuously working in close coordination with key government agencies and organizations to improve further measures that will help raise the bar of performance, safety, efficiency and competitiveness of the local maritime segment, which in turn will help consolidate Dubai's position as a world class global maritime hub.

According to Mohammed Al Bastaki, Director of Maritime Operations, DMCA, who prepared and supervised the emergency drill, "Emergency response drills play a significant part in our efforts to evaluate the efficiency of the existing emergency protocols and evacuation plans. The drill will help us develop and update our strategies and also adopt best practices to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all passengers and crew members of cruise ships. This activity brings added value to our strategic initiatives towards improving the competitiveness of the local maritime sector, as well as positioning Dubai to the ranks of the world's most prominent leading maritime centres."

DMCA held the activity in accordance with the ISPS Code and with wide participation of representatives of its strategic partners including the Dubai Police, Civil Defense, Dubai World Security, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Ports World and Roads & Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA). Senior officials of the ship's agent also took part in the high-level exercise with observers and delegates from the private sector. Emergency drills are conducted in the emirate annually to evaluate the competencies and efficiency of all port facility personnel in carrying out their security duties.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box: 500266
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel:  00971 4 4562888
Fax: 00971 4 4549528
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2015