Jean Bernard News

Towns on France's North Atlantic coast braced for their first giant tide of the millennium on Saturday as the full moon and this week's solar eclipse combined to create an ocean surge not seen since 1997. At the picturesque Mont Saint Michel island where some of the biggest tides in the world occur, visitors gathered to watch the tide disappear out of sight, exposing areas of beach and rock visible only every 18 years. The next peak tide is not due until 2033. France's National Hydrographic Service was expecting to measure more than 14 metres (15.3 yards) between low and high water around the famous Abbey-topped rock off France's north-west coast. Average tides in the area measure 8.7 metres.

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of the maritime sector in Dubai, recently congratulated the first 20 recipients of the marine driver’s license in Dubai. The move aims to encourage the society to adhere to best practices that promote safe navigation and maritime safety in Dubai. Recipients of the marine driver’s license were honoured during a special ceremony that was held at DMCA’s headquarters and was attended by senior executives and employees.