FTA (Abu Dhabi, RAK, UAE) Small Boat License 12m
This is the 2 day course required to operate a small boat in the UAE, authorised by the UAE Government, Federal Transport Authority (FTA)
The first part consists of a one day THEORY followed by a PRACTICAL day afloat on a boat.
The theory provides you with the knowledge to safely operate at sea and includes both safety and international collision avoidance regulations. Local (UAE) rules and conditions are also covered.
The practical day allows you to practice the skills, manoeuvres, man-over-board and boat handling that is required to safely command a vessel in the UAE waters.
- Training Centre “Certificate of Completion”
- Passport copy
- Visa copy
- Emirates ID card copy
- Photo of you (passport style)
FTA Small Boat Driving Licence 12m
There is a theory test covering safety, navigation and international anti-collision regulations.
Who is the course for? | This is required for residents and locals that wish to own / operate a boat in UAE waters. Crew may also do the course. | ||
Minimum Age requirement | 17 years | ||
Length of course | 2 days | ||
Overview of course topics |
|
||
What will I learn? | Safety and boat handling skills. | ||
Where is the course location? |
|
||
What are the prerequisites? | A certificate is issued to successful candidates. However an Emirates ID card is required to gain the government licence. | ||
How much does it cost? | AED 2000 per person | ||
What will I be able to do when I complete the course? | You will be given a “Certificate of Competition” which allows you to gain the UAE Government Licence from the UAE online application service.
You will be able to safely take a boat with passengers and crew to sea for short coastal trips, more importantly you will have the skills and knowledge to safely bring everyone back to port safely should the weather change or when fog reduces visibility. |
||
What is the next course for me? | RYA Direct Assessment, Safety Boat, Intermediate Powerboating, RYA Powerboat Instructor, ICC & CEVNI Tests. Navigation courses. |
12m and 24m Captain Training Courses at Coastal Safety
Coastal Safety provide many courses covering many uses and boat types including Federal Transport Authority approved courses for UAE vessels.
Coastal Safety have been providing boat captain training in the UAE since 2003.
Standard training courses are available as well as specialist training for safety and rescue.
In the UAE, you must have a UAE issued boat driving licence issued by the FTA – Federal Transport Authority for the appropriate size vessel and use (pleasure or commercial)
Coastal Safety offers all the boat and yacht training courses to satisfy the FTA regulations.
For more information and to enrol on the course please complete this form
Federal Transport Authority (FTA ) Training courses for boat captains are categorised in to four groups:
FTA issues 4 types of Boat Driving license
- FTA Boat Driving license to operate pleasure boats of upto 12mtrs
- FTA Boat Driving license to operate Pleasure boats of upto 24mtrs less than 80GT
- FTA Boat Driving license to operate Commercial boats of up to 12m
- FTA Boat Driving license to operate Commercial boats of up to 24m
There are two classes of vessel, and two classes of use.
Pleasure | Commercial | |
Up to 12m | ![]() |
![]() |
Up to 24m | ![]() |
![]() |
Additional to the standard “Boat Captain Qualification”, the FTA also require that all “commercial vessel” captains hold the STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate for commercial licences issued by FTA.
Requirements for UAE FTA Boat Driving license
- Copy of the passport, residence visa and Emirates ID
- Copy of the medical fitness certificate
- Copy of the Training certificate issued by one of the FTA Training institutes
- To submit the application through FTA online system
- Copy of the STCW BST Training course certificates (This is applicable for driving license to operate commercial boats only)
Training Courses
FTA 12m Boat Captain Training
FTA 12mBoat Captain Training |
Two days (or 4 half days for private groups) |
Part one – Theory
Buoyage Chartwork COLREGS Fire Safety First Aid Heavy Weather Navigation Passage Planning Pilotage |
Safety Brief Prevent Environmental Pollution Radio Responsibilities of the Captain and OOW Safety SAR Trailering a boat Voyage planning Weather |
Part Two – Practical
Anchoring Engines Propellers Rope-work knots splices Towing & being towed Vessel Construction Set and drift Stability and seating Man Overboard (MOB) |
Berthing alongside Leaving berth Safety Equipment Safety checks Turning in small spaces Mooring ropes Travelling at speed Holding fixed position Turning on warps Closing down and securing |
Click here for information on the FTA 24m course
FTA 24m Boat Captain Training