What is the Dubai boat licence theory test?
Anyone operating a recreational vessel in Dubai needs a vessel navigation permit from the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA). Under Administrative Resolution No. (5) of 2024, applicants complete DMA-accredited courses, prove medical fitness and pass the assessments for their vessel type, which can include a theory test: an oral or written exam on navigation rules, collision regulations, safety and emergency procedures.
The exam format
| Issued by | Dubai Maritime Authority (vessel navigation permit) |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 for a recreational vessel; 18 for a commercial vessel |
| Theory test | Oral or written exam on navigation rules, collision regulations, safety and emergency procedures |
| Courses | DMA-accredited qualifying courses in maritime safety, navigation and maritime communications |
| Medical | Fitness certificate from a medical authority recognised by the DMA |
| Fees (2020) | Theory test AED 100; practical test AED 500 under 12 m, AED 750 for 12 m to under 24 m |
The resolution leaves the number of questions and the pass mark to the DMA's manual, which is not published. Fees were set by Executive Council Resolution No. (9) of 2020 and may have changed, so confirm them with the DMA or your training centre.
What the exam covers
- Collision regulations: lookout, safe speed, risk of collision, head-on, crossing and overtaking
- IALA Region A buoyage: lateral, cardinal, isolated danger, safe water and special marks
- Lights, shapes and sound signals
- Seamanship and boat handling: berthing, anchoring, knots, fuel planning
- Safety equipment: lifejackets, flares, EPIRBs, VHF and DSC
- Weather and tides in the Gulf: shamal, sea breeze, fog and tidal sums
- Emergencies and man overboard, including MAYDAY and PAN-PAN calls
- Navigation and chart basics: latitude, knots, variation and depths
- Dubai maritime rules: permits, ages, courses and fees
Free official resources, and what we add
The COLREGs are published by the IMO, and the Dubai resolutions are free on the Dubai Legal Portal. There is no official DMA practice question bank. Our 107 questions are original, grouped into 9 topics, and each explanation names its source, usually the COLREG rule number or the article of the Dubai resolution.
How to prepare
- Learn the steering rules first: head-on both turn to starboard, give way to a vessel on your starboard side, and the overtaking vessel always keeps clear.
- Memorise the light arcs: masthead 225°, sidelights 112.5°, sternlight 135°.
- Learn the cardinal marks with the clock face: east 3 flashes, south 6 plus a long flash, west 9.
- Practise the sums: speed, time and distance, the rule of thirds for fuel, and the rule of twelfths for tides.
- Rehearse a MAYDAY call out loud.
- Practise by topic, then take timed mock exams.
Practice questions with answers
Tap a question to see the correct answer and explanation.
Two power-driven vessels are crossing. Which one must keep out of the way?
- The one that has the other on her own port side
- The one that has the other on her own starboard side
- The larger of the two vessels, because it is harder to manoeuvre and stop
- Whichever vessel is slower, so the faster one can keep its course and speed
Answer: B, The one that has the other on her own starboard side. Rule 15: when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and, if possible, avoid crossing ahead. Source: COLREGs (IMO Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended), Rule 15.
In IALA Region A, what shape is a starboard-hand lateral mark?
- Can shaped, with a red can topmark
- Spherical, with red and white vertical stripes and a single red sphere topmark
- Conical, with a green cone topmark pointing up
- Pillar, with two black cones
Answer: C, Conical, with a green cone topmark pointing up. Region A starboard marks are green, conical (or pillar/spar) with a single green cone point-up topmark. Port marks are red with a can topmark. Source: IALA Maritime Buoyage System (Region A), lateral marks.
What arc does each sidelight show?
- 135 degrees over the stern, centred on the fore and aft line, so it can be seen from behind
- 112.5 degrees each, from ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam
- 225 degrees forward, matching the arc of the masthead light above them
- 360 degrees all round
Answer: B, 112.5 degrees each, from ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam. Rule 21(b): sidelights (green starboard, red port) each show an unbroken light over an arc of 112.5 degrees from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam. Source: COLREGs (IMO Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended), Rule 21.