RTA seeks cooperation with the Fourth platoons in the Army Forces' Coastguard in operation, boat maintenance and marine utilities

To discuss the cooperation and the coordination procedures between coastguard and Marine Transport Agency in the rules and regulations, operation of marines transport and maintenance of ships and marine utilities.

The meeting was attended from Marine Transport Agency; Engineer Khalid Al Zahid, Director of Marine Projects Department, Sultan Al Kufili, Director of Licenses and Registration Department, Masoud Mohammed Hashim, licenses and registration manager, Mohammed Ali Al Bastaki, Senior Engineer of Boats Design. From the Fourth Flock Major Ahmed Humaid Al Falasi and Captain Mohammed Obaid Al Shamsi was attended as well.

They discussed the legal speed limit in Dubai Creek, safety and security procedures on all utilities and services in Creek, boats and passengers, in addition to ferries and water Bus length and figures.

The also discussed the functions and activities of the 4th flock which suitable and integrate with the functions of Marine Transport Agency. They also featured the cooperation between two parties that will contribute in raise the level of services in the agency from operation, license, safety and security.

Engineer Al Dossari presented with details the strategic plan of the Marine Transport system development in Dubai that cost more than one billion dirham and include development of marine transport system for passengers in Dubai Creek to be used as additional quick and integrated transport mean with other transport system.
He said that the project include execution and operation of Dubai Creek route (first phase) that cost more than AED 200 million and consist of four stations with the length of 5,4 kilo meters , starting from Gold Market station to Deira City Center station (before Floating bridge) towards Al Ghubiba and Baniyas Stations and expected to be completed and start operating the route in the mid of 2008, assuring that will implement high standards of safety and security in the project from the modern air-conditioned boats and luxury services according to best global practices as well as prepare an integrated study for the environmental effects.

He clarified that the strategic plan to develop the marine transport system been connected electronically with the RTA strategic plan which will be implemented in several stages and according to specific timetable, included operation of Creek routes according to certain stages, and coastline along the Jumaira shores which serves the category of tourists in the emirate, as well as the route which combine the City Center with Nakheel projects (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Deira and The World) where now a coordination is underway with Nakheel to take the requirements of this project and the reservation of stations' places on the islands, and it is expected of operating this route immediately upon the completion of the construction and residence of artificial islands, as well as external routes between Dubai and other Emirates.

Al Dossari said that the Marine Transport Agency distinguished with its connectivity with other public transport systems which include Metro, Buses and taxi, while stations been selected accuracy and taking in consideration the integrity with other transport means for more efficiency and attractive for public to use daily. For example, a study is being undertaken to link the Al Ras station on the metro line to the marine station, through an underground tunnel for pedestrians which can be covered in two minutes. The same will be applied to Al Gubaiba station, which can be covered in five minutes from the bus station by foot, half a minute from the Abra station, four minutes from the international bus station four minutes on the Metro station. As for Baniyas, it would take on foot nearly half a minute from Abra station, about two minutes from the Metro station and about ten minutes from the bus station in Al Sabkha and Dubai Transport Inter- city Station. The City Center station will be located less than five minutes from the metro station on foot.

He said the Agency approved the Catamaran Low Wash boat with the length of 22-25 meters and accommodate from 100 to 120 passengers and ranging speed between maximum 22 knots to be operated on Dubai Creek. "Now we are setting the detailed technical specifications to import around seven boats to be operated in the creek as a first stage, he said, adding that the manufacturing of this boat take around 16 to 18 months."

He talk also about the air-conditioned water bus to be operated on Dubai Creek next July RTA approved the design of boats for air-conditioned water bus to be operated on Dubai Creek, as part of the RTA project to develop new types of marine transport in the Emirate to be used as a additional quick transportation mean integrated with other transport system.

The Water Bus characterized by the structure of bilateral base Low waves "Catamaran Low Wash, and movement panoramic ceiling, and the central air conditioning with comfortable seats capacities ranging from 30 to 35 passengers.

He added the length of the water bus 12 meters and width of four meters hile the weight is 7 tons, ranging speed between 10 to 12 knots, and is characterized with two engine working with diesel of 185 horsepower each, and the structure of bilateral base low waves, and movement panoramic ceiling made of Aluminum, and central air-conditioning covers the passenger cabin accommodates about 35 passengers, in addition to applying the highest standards of safety and security in accordance with international best practices.