DMCA Evaluates "Serenade of the Seas"

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) conducted an evaluation meeting to analyze the results of the recent Ship Board Fire Drill conducted on Serenade of the Seas a cruise ship currently berthed in Dubai’s Mina Rashid Cruise Terminal.  

The meeting saw extensive participation by representatives from the entities involved in the drill, where they looked into the performance and strengths of the Cruise Ship Emergency Response Task Force and pointed out areas requiring further attention in order to maximize safety for both passengers and crew. The evaluation is part of broader efforts by public and private entities to improve emergency procedures and promote maritime safety standards, in line with a common vision to promote a safe and highly developed maritime industry in Dubai.

The meeting commenced with a brief introduction of the Response Task Force and highlighted its electronic emergency procedures, evacuation training programs and working of the Water Tight Door Closures in cruise ships. The attendees also discussed three training methodologies, including "Onboard Rescue Procedures" by Dubai Police Rescue Department, "Leading and Controlling Major Evacuations" by Dubai Police and "Leading and Controlling Large-Fire Responses” by Dubai Civil Defense.

Extensive evaluation of all aspects of the Ship Board Fire Drill on Serenade of the Seas was further showcased by Civil Defense, Harbor Master, Dubai Ports World, Immigration and Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to enhance training mechanisms. Moreover, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Dubai Civil Defense provided details of the Intensive Inspection Campaign.

Mohammed Al-Bastaki, Director of Maritime Operations, Dubai Maritime City Authority, pointed out the strategic importance of this meeting which was aimed at further improving the excellent performance and readiness of the Response Task Force when dealing with various emergency situations in local and regional waters. This is in line with the DMCA’s strategic priorities to promote Dubai as one of the leading international maritime destinations.

“The recent onboard fire drill on Serenade of the Seas demonstrates our total commitment to organize and conduct a series of practical exercises to test the communication and monitoring systems of cruise ships while highlighting key areas to ensure safety across Dubai’s coastline and ports. Through such meetings, we look forward to sharing our common work mechanisms with public and private entities to maintain optimal maritime safety and reaffirm Dubai’s growing status as an international destination for cruise ships,” Al-Bastaki added.

The Serenade of the Seas Board Fire Drill involved several entities, including the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), Dubai Coast Guard, Dubai Police, Civil Defense, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), DP World and National Transport Authority (NTA), in addition to the ship’s agents.