The Saudi Red Sea Authority has issued the Kingdom’s first requirements governing leisure boat rentals in Saudi territorial waters in the Red Sea. The rules take effect 180 days after publication and require operators to obtain official licences and comply with safety and marine environmental protection standards.
According to a Saudi Press Agency report, the requirements regulate boat rental services for visitors and tourists, covering licensing, operations, safety and customer rights.
Separate 12-month licence for each boat
The company or establishment managing and operating the boats must hold a Marine Activities Operator licence, together with a separate tourism rental licence for every boat used.
Each boat must pass an on-site technical inspection conducted by an accredited company and meet the specified conditions before a licence is issued.
Licences are valid for 12 months from issue and may be renewed on application following a review of the operator’s compliance record and service quality.
Safety and visitor insurance
Operators must provide visitors with safety instructions before every trip and maintain a written emergency plan in Arabic and English addressing fires, collisions and other marine incidents.
They must consider sea and weather conditions, boat speed and capacity, refrain from sailing in unsuitable conditions, and take precautions to protect visitors during boarding, disembarkation and throughout the trip. Insurance must cover potential harm to visitors and the marine environment associated with the activity.
Price disclosure and cancellation terms
Visitors must be able to review trip details before booking, including duration, route, departure and return points, and activities.
Operators must disclose prices, cancellation terms and refund policies. Undisclosed charges are prohibited.
Appropriate communication methods must be available for non-Arabic-speaking customers when the nature of the trip requires them, alongside a clear complaints-handling process.
Requirements for passengers with disabilities
Operators must explain how suitable their boats and services are for passengers with disabilities and disclose available assistance before booking.
Protecting coral reefs and marine ecosystems
Operating practices must protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity, and visitors must be informed about responsible environmental behaviour during trips.
Leisure boat rental activity is restricted to destinations and marine areas approved by the authority within its Red Sea jurisdiction.
Rules take effect after 180 days
The new requirements take effect 180 days after publication. The statement did not specify the publication date.
The measures fall within the authority’s mandate to regulate coastal tourism and develop operational, safety and environmental standards, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s coastal tourism objectives.
