New Rules Set for Marine Rescue Equipment Facilities

The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, in his capacity as Chairman of the board of the Transport General Authority, approved on 4 September 2026 the Executive Regulations for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and re-certification of marine rescue equipment and devices. The regulations apply to Saudi-flagged vessels and to facilities practicing the activity within the Kingdom.

The new rules enter into force 90 days after publication in the official gazette, with formal application expected to begin around early December 2026. They set clear technical and regulatory requirements for licensed facilities working on marine rescue equipment.

Under the regulations, facilities must employ certified technicians, provide suitable equipment, tools, and premises, and operate a documented quality management system for all work carried out. Facilities are required to follow manufacturers' instructions, relevant international maritime conventions and codes, and domestic Saudi maritime safety regulations, and may use only genuine, approved spare parts.

Licensed facilities must keep detailed records of every inspection, maintenance, repair, and re-certification job, and make them available to the Transport General Authority or other authorized entities on request. A facility may only handle the types of rescue equipment listed in its license, and may not work on other equipment without written approval from the competent authority. Devices withdrawn from service or subject to a major conversion changing their classification cannot be inspected or maintained except with prior approval.

Facilities must also submit a periodic report every four Gregorian months from the date of license issuance, via electronic correspondence, listing all inspection and maintenance work performed. The framework aligns with existing Saudi maritime safety rules, including SOLAS-based implementing regulations and specific provisions for small vessels not subject to international conventions.

For the wider community, the measures aim to raise safety standards on Saudi waters by ensuring rescue equipment is properly maintained and reliable when it matters most.

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