The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubais maritime sector, recently carried out an emergency drill at the Lagoon Area in Dubai to simulate the correct response to the 'Man Overboard' scenario. The exercise was performed in cooperation with Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) and consisted of 26 individuals of vessel operators and 3 maritime operating companies.

The activity was held as part of DMCA's safety campaign aimed at inculcating a strong culture of maritime security and guaranteeing that seafarers are equipped with the needed knowledge and skills to deal with all types of emergencies promptly, efficiently and successfully. It focused on the methods and procedures to follow needs to a person mistakenly fall off a vessel. The proper and timely response to the 'Man Overboard' scenario is critical for safeguarding victims from drowning, hypothermia, and other lethal situations. Individuals were taught ways to rapidly and safely deploy the man overboard healing system and what specific actions they need to carry out.

Abdullah Bin Tawk, Senior Manager, Maritime Inspection, DMCA, said: "A team member or traveler unintentionally falling off a vessel is always a severe situation that requires a fast and accurate reaction. The current workout we performed at the Lagoon Area Dubai effectively showed the precise treatments to be done during 'Man Overboard' circumstances and we are extremely delighted with the efficiency and preparedness shown by the participants during the simulated emergency. We thank all the government and private agencies who joined us for the drill and advise all maritime sectors to cooperate with us in raising Dubai's maritime security to world-class standards as it works towards becoming a leading global maritime hub."

Each year the DMCA oversees emergency situation drills to evaluate the capability of vessel operators, port facility workers and seafarers to keep safety and security and respond properly to emergency situations. The exercises are regularly supported by the Authority's strategic partners such as the Dubai Police, Civil Defense, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Ports World, and the Roads & Transport Authority