British Maritime and Coastguard Agency Attend 2007 Dubai International Boat Show

London, 13 March/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (073-07) issued by The Government News Network on 13 March 2007 -- The Dubai International Boat Show is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and will take place from 13 - 17 March 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.

The Dubai International Boat Show is the region's leading marine event because it brings together so many different exhibitors from across the world. MCA Executives will be on hand at the show to discuss construction, manning and safety issues relating to luxury yachts on the MCA stand. Yacht crews who will be in the area and who may be uncertain of correct certification are being encouraged to visit the Stand and discuss their concerns with an MCA Examiner who will be on hand.

Mike Sanderson, Head of Ensign, said before setting out for Dubai: "We are very keen to continue working in the Middle East region, where many interesting developments are taking place in Large Yacht activity. We will be inviting key players within the industry to a Reception being held during the Show. We are aware that many more charter vessels are moving into Middle Eastern waters from their traditional bases in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

"The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Large Yacht Code was developed from initial work, and was originally only intended for application to Red Ensign yachts over 24m in length. It was developed through the active participation of the large yacht industry but this participation was related to the part of industry with direct relevance to "red ensign" yachts. However, since the MCA Code was introduced it has been adopted as a world-wide standard.

Mike Sanderson continued:

"'Ensign', the MCA's Large Yacht Division, which will be represented at the Show has been established for some years now to provide an exclusive service to the growing world-wide Large Yacht industry, and consists of a dedicated team of surveyors and support staff, widely experienced in the application of the 'Large Commercial Yacht Code'.

"By coming to Dubai, the MCA will be able to offer an improved service to all sectors of the large yacht industry in the Middle East.

"We will also be discussing with owners and builders, international regulations, guidance and a common interpretation which we know greatly assists designers and craftsmen in the industry.

"`Ensign' continues to provide a customer friendly and efficient service, which will be available to owners, builders and designers, regardless of where the vessel is registered. As the MCA, in conjunction with the industry, developed and introduced the Code we are best placed to carry out surveys and the only ones able to agree interpretations of the Code. 'Ensign' will therefore offer a worldwide service to meet the growing demand from the large yacht market.

"Obviously we would recommend that vessels fly the UK Red Ensign, but feel that the safety benefits of complying with the UK Large Yacht Code justify "Ensign" providing a service regardless of flag. Our representatives have attended other major exhibitions and industry shows, such as those held in France, Monaco and in Fort Lauderdale in the US, in order to discuss the services on offer and to discuss the various aspects of the Code."

Notes:

Visitors to this year's Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will be able to see some of the world's finest superyachts at the region's leading marine event. By securing so many top-name superyacht builders and suppliers, DIBS continues to strengthen its position as the most important marine event in the region for affluent individuals looking to invest in the booming marine market.

The Middle East has long been associated with the world's most luxurious superyachts with the four longest yachts in the world being owned by people in the region.

"In recent years the Dubai International Boat Show has become synonymous with luxury yachting and the lure of seeing these multi-million dollar superyachts at close range is something that appeals to everyone, whether they are a high-end prospective buyer or a first-time visitor," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, organiser of DIBS.

"The Dubai International Boat Show is also the perfect opportunity for the many superyacht builders and their suppliers to market their wealth of products to a captive audience. This development of the show has also ensured that the eventual sales of superyachts has grown year-on-year," he added.

Some of the world's biggest superyacht manufacturers such as Luerssen from Germany and Amels from the Netherlands will be exhibiting in the Luxury Supplies and Services area which will also house the impressive British Marine Federation pavilion, HISWA Holland Yachting Group and the German Boat Builders Association.

Further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency