Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
From GPS trackers to digital guides, Abu Dhabi's maritime authorities have rolled out new technologies to keep Jet Ski riders safe, officials said.
Jet Ski safety and responsible use were in focus at the first Abu Dhabi Maritime Con on Sunday, organised by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group.
Waleed Al Marzooqi, Director for Authority Regulation at AD Ports Group, said recent maritime regulations apply technology to improve Jet Ski safety, keep riders out of restricted areas and speed up emergency response.
"The regulations are there for organisation and protection," Al Marzooqi said. "Our biggest concern is someone getting injured, rather than someone committing a violation."
Among the innovations deployed are GPS trackers, which allow response teams to act quickly in case of emergencies — from grounding to fires and fuel shortages.
"GPS trackers help us monitor and track all watercraft," said Captain Ahmed Al Dhaheri, Director – Waterways Department, Abu Dhabi Maritime.
The technology also helps keep riders away from restricted petroleum zones and marine protected areas.
"Tracking in prohibited areas helps us direct patrols as a precautionary measure," Al Dhaheri said. "The monitoring centre ensures everyone complies with the regulations."
Abu Dhabi's maritime safety framework covers waterways, marine infrastructure, vessel operations and environmental protection, alongside specific guidance on the equipment riders should carry, he added.
With smart technology in place, information on restricted areas and waterways is now available digitally, so riders no longer have to rely solely on physical signs at sea.
Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at AD Ports Group, highlighted the Abu Dhabi Maritime Safety Maps, which provide information on "speed limits, restricted areas, passage areas and designated activity zones," available online and through the Al Nalia app.
Al Mheiri said the first Abu Dhabi Maritime Con also gave authorities a chance to hear directly from riders.
"We want to listen to the community, hear their opinions and recommendations and answer their enquiries," he said.
Citing the event's success, Al Mheiri said plans are underway to make it a regular fixture. "We plan to hold it every year, and if we see a need, we could hold it twice a year."
