• The purpose of this Regulation is to establish the regulatory framework for the issuance, amendment, renewal, suspension, and cancellation of the document, as well as to define the minimum levels and standards for safe manning imposed by the Safety of Life at Sea Convention and related agreements and codes. It also aims to specify the obligations of the ship operator, determine the working and resting hours for seafarers, and oversee the ship operator's compliance with the provisions of this Regulation in a manner that meets the requirements for safety of life, protection of the marine environment, safety of navigation, safe operation of vessels, and ensures the proper qualification of personnel on board.

• The provisions of this Regulation apply to the following:

  • 1. Vessels flying the Saudi flag, except for:

    • A- Warships or military supply ships or troop carriers, or other vessels used for non-commercial public purposes unless otherwise decided by the maritime authority.

    • B- Floating marine facilities not equipped with mechanical propulsion.

    • C- Pilot vessels.

    • D- Small fishing vessels.

    • E- Recreational vessels that are not used for commercial purposes (without charge).

    • F- Primitive wooden vessels.

    • G- Scientific marine research vessels.

  • 2. Foreign vessels licensed to operate in the maritime areas of the Kingdom.

• The provisions of international maritime agreements and codes, regulations, and decisions of the International Maritime Organization in force in the Kingdom and their amendments are considered complementary and supplementary to this Regulation.

The vessel shall be operated after obtaining the document in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation.

• 1. The operator submits the safe docking proposal for the vessel according to the approved model to the maritime authority, accompanied by all documents that prove the accuracy of the data.

• 2. The maritime authority is responsible for studying the proposal and may invite the operator for discussion and amendments to the proposal.

• 3. The maritime authority issues the document after fulfilling the requirements stated in Chapter Three of this regulation.

• 1. The maritime authority may amend the document in the following cases:

  • A- When there are changes in the operation, management, or maintenance of the vessel, or in its operational area, facilities, machinery, or equipment that may affect safe manning. The operator is obligated to prepare and submit a new proposal for the manning of the vessel in accordance with the provisions of Article Five within thirty (30) days from the date of the changes, and the document shall remain in effect after its amendment until its expiration date.

  • B- Upon the issuance of a reasoned decision by the maritime authority for the amendment.

  • ت- Based on a request from the operator that includes a proposal in this regard and is supported by the necessary documents.

• 2. The maritime authority may withdraw or cancel the document if it determines that the vessel no longer meets the requirements for safe manning, or in the event of changes in the vessel's structure, engines, equipment, or operational and maintenance plan, or non-compliance with rest hour requirements that may affect the level of safe manning of the vessel, or if the operating company (the operator) has violated the conditions and requirements for manning.

• The document shall be renewed at the request of the operator no less than fifteen (15) days before its expiration date in accordance with Article (5) of this Regulation.

• The level of compliance and the operator's obligations are essential for the validity of the document. In the event of any breach, the maritime authority has the right to suspend the document and notify the operator of the breach. The operator is obliged not to operate the vessel until the breach is rectified. If the breach is not rectified within thirty (30) days from the notice, the document shall be considered null and void.