Introduction of Regulations: The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched Saudi Arabia’s first comprehensive regulations for yacht operations, focusing on regulating activities, issuing licenses, and ensuring environmental protection and safety.
Regulatory Details: The new rules cover the issuance of technical and tourism chartering licenses, including criteria for yacht owners and maritime agents, and require documentation for tourism trips, safety measures, and environmental compliance.
Awareness Campaign: The rollout of these regulations is accompanied by SRSA’s “More than a Sea” campaign, aimed at promoting the development of a sustainable coastal tourism sector and highlighting SRSA’s role in regulating maritime and tourism activities.
Riyadh, September 6, 2024 – In a landmark development for Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector, the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has unveiled the country’s first-ever comprehensive regulations governing the operation of yachts. This groundbreaking initiative aims to regulate yacht activities, set out specific requirements and conditions, and oversee the issuance of tourism and leisure licenses and permits. Additionally, the regulations emphasize environmental protection, sustainability, and adherence to stringent safety standards, reflecting SRSA’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable coastal tourism sector.
The new regulations are designed to support SRSA’s broader mandate, which includes issuing necessary licenses and permits, establishing service standards for coastal tourism activities, and safeguarding the marine environment of the Red Sea. By providing a structured framework, these regulations are expected to enhance user experiences, promote responsible maritime practices, and contribute to the maturation of the coastal tourism industry in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Key aspects of the regulations include detailed procedures for obtaining technical licenses for leisure tourism. They specify the criteria required for yacht owners and authorized maritime tourism agents, as well as the conditions for issuing tourism chartering licenses. This process mandates the involvement of a licensed maritime tourism agent or yacht management company, the execution of a formal contract between the agent and the charterer, secure access from the marina to the yacht, and the provision of a safety guide onboard yachts designated for tourism chartering.
Furthermore, the regulations outline the requirements for securing tourism trip permits within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea waters. These include essential documentation such as passenger lists, sailing itineraries, and chartering contracts. For activities involving water toys and recreational pursuits like fishing and diving, the regulations require specific approvals and licenses. They also mandate a clear usage guide, a comprehensive response plan for emergencies, the availability of life jackets, and special provisions for children’s activities.
In addition to safety and operational standards, the regulations focus on environmental stewardship. They stipulate measures to minimize plastic use, prevent pollution, and ensure adherence to safe navigation guidelines. The regulations also highlight the importance of ensuring charterers comply with their contractual obligations and address the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The launch of these regulations coincides with the introduction of SRSA’s awareness campaign, “More than a Sea.” This initiative is designed to raise awareness about SRSA’s efforts in developing a thriving coastal tourism sector. Through this campaign, SRSA aims to emphasize its role in setting policies, strategies, and programs essential for regulating navigational and marine tourism activities, and issuing the relevant licenses and permits. The comprehensive nature of the new regulations and the accompanying campaign underscore SRSA’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and well-regulated maritime tourism industry.