Saudi Red Sea Authority issues first yacht regulations
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), the official regulator of Red Sea coastal tourism, has issued Saudi Arabia’s first-ever yacht regulations, setting guidelines for yacht operations, tourism licenses, and environmental protection in the Red Sea.
The regulations cover yachts’ activities, outline necessary requirements and conditions, and oversee the issuance of tourism and leisure licences and permits. The regulations aim to protect the marine environment and ensure safety and regulatory requirements are fulfilled as the coastal tourism sector grows.
Issuing the new regulation aligns with SRSA’s mandate that includes issuing necessary licences and permits, setting service standards and regulations for coastal tourism activities, ensuring marine environmental protection in the Red Sea, along with encouraging practitioners and enthusiasts, as the region develops its coastal tourism.
Earlier this year, Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) issued the first three licences for tourist marina operators.
Licences have been issued to Al-Ahlam Marine in Jeddah and Jazan, and Red Sea Marina in Jeddah.
Yacht charter licence in Saudi Arabia
The regulation for Saudi yachts includes the conditions and procedures for issuing technical licenses (leisure tourism) and the required criteria for yacht owners or authorised tourism maritime agents. It also outlines the conditions for issuing tourism chartering licenses, which require a licensed maritime tourism agent or yacht management company, a signed contract between the agent and the charterer, as well as meeting the requirements for a secure access from the marina to the yacht, and a safety guide on board yachts which is designated for tourism chartering.
The regulation also specifies the procedures and requirements for obtaining a tourism trip permit within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea waters, including mandatory documentation such as a list of passengers’ information, sailing destinations, and chartering contract.
Regarding water toys, the regulation mandates obtaining the necessary approvals and licenses for activities such as recreational fishing, diving, etc. It requires a clear usage guide for water activities, a comprehensive response plan detailing rescue and first aid procedures, the availability of lifejackets, and special activities for children.
In addition, the rules highlight environmental protection, including minimising plastic use and preventing pollution, adherence to safe navigation guidelines, and ensuring charterers’ compliance with the terms of their contracts. It also emphasises the rights of people with disabilities. These regulations are part of SRSA’s broader efforts to regulate and develop Saudi Arabia’s growing coastal tourism industry.
The launch of the new regulations aligns with SRSA’s ‘More Than a Sea’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the Authority’s role in developing a sustainable and thriving coastal tourism sector.
