For the purposes of this Regulation, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated next to each, unless the context of the text requires otherwise:

• The Kingdom: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• The Law: The Maritime Commercial Law.

• The Maritime Authority: The Transport General Authority, represented in the Maritime Transport Sector or one of its branches.

• The Vessel: Any floating establishment prepared for operation in maritime navigation on a regular basis, even if not intended for profit.

• The Regulation: The Maritime Service Record Regulation.

• The Record: The Maritime Service Record.

• The Agreement: The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers of 1987 as amended (STCW).

• Qualification Certificates: Certificates issued and documented which signify that their holder meets the requirements of the Agreement, qualifying them to work at sea on board vessels, including competency certificates, capacity certificates, certificates of eligibility for maritime training, declarations confirming the issuance of eligibility certificates for maritime training, and maritime training certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement and the Maritime Qualification Certificates Regulation.

• The Ship Operator: The person who operates the vessel on their own account as an owner, charterer, or manager of the common property, and the owner is considered the operator unless proven otherwise.

• The Maritime Service Record: An official document granted by the competent maritime authority to the seafarer or trainee who meets the professional and health conditions to work or train on board vessels, and it verifies the identity of the crew members and their professions and maritime services.

• The Seafarer: Any natural person holding Saudi nationality who is bound by a maritime work contract with the ship operator, and the captain is considered a seafarer under the work contract concluded between them and the ship operator.

• The Trainee: Any natural person of Saudi nationality enrolled in one of the educational institutions and bound by a training contract on a vessel for the purpose of gaining experience and the required maritime service period according to their educational path.

This Regulation aims to establish the provisions, conditions, and procedures for issuing the maritime service record for Saudi sailors and trainees, renewing the record, issuing replacements for damaged or lost records, and specifying the data that must be included in the records of employees working on board ships that sail on international voyages or within the maritime areas of the Kingdom, as well as the duration of its validity.
 

1. This Regulation applies to sailors and trainees wishing to undertake any work on ships that sail within or outside the maritime areas of the Kingdom.

2. Persons working on military ships are exempt from the provisions of this Regulation.

1. The following conditions must be met for a seafarer to obtain a maritime service record:

• A- The individual must be of Saudi nationality.

• B- The seafarer must be at least (18) years old.

• C- There must be a maritime employment contract or a letter from the employer that includes the seafarer's profession and position on the vessel.

• D- The individual must be medically fit according to a valid medical examination certificate from an accredited medical center.

• E- The applicant must hold valid maritime qualification certificates necessary to practice the profession.

2. The following conditions must be met for a trainee to obtain a maritime service record:

• A- The trainee must be at least (18) years old.

• B- The individual must be medically fit according to a valid medical examination certificate from an accredited medical center.

• C- A training contract or a letter from the educational institution or training entity confirming the request for training.

• D- The individual must hold the following valid qualification certificates in maritime training:

  • A- Certificate in personal rescue techniques.

  • B- Basic certificate in fire prevention and fighting.

  • C- Certificate in basic first aid training.

  • D- Certificate in personal safety and social responsibilities training.

1. A claim for obtaining the maritime service record is submitted to the competent maritime authority via the approved electronic platform according to the form prepared for this purpose, accompanied by the following documents:

• A- Two recent personal photographs.

• B- A copy of a valid passport with at least one year remaining before expiration.

• C- A copy of the national identity card.

• D- Copies of the qualifying certificates or the academic qualification obtained, as well as documents indicating experience or training for the profession.

• E- Payment of any financial fines, if applicable.

• F- A valid medical examination certificate from one of the accredited medical centers.

2. The maritime authority issues the maritime service record to the applicant after verifying that all requirements and conditions have been met.

The validity period of the maritime service record is five (5) years from the date of issuance.

1. An application for the renewal of the maritime service record may be submitted before the expiration of the maritime service record by one year and no less than (15) fifteen days prior to the expiration date of the record through the approved electronic platform according to the form prepared for this purpose, accompanied by the documents stipulated in Article Five (5) of this Regulation, in addition to a copy of the personal data page from the maritime service record to be renewed.

2. Payment of any financial penalties, if applicable.

3. If the validity period of the maritime service record expires while the holder is outside the Kingdom, an application shall be submitted to the maritime authority - through the approved channels - provided that the extension period does not exceed six months and is renewable for a similar period.

1. The seafarer must, in the event of loss or damage to the maritime service record, obtain a replacement for the lost or damaged record by submitting a request to the maritime authority - through the approved channels -.

2. The maritime authority may request the submission of certain documents or papers to verify the validity of the seafarer's request or their qualifications to obtain a maritime service record.

3. The application for obtaining a replacement for the damaged or lost maritime service record shall be submitted according to the electronic form prepared for this purpose, accompanied by the following documents:

• A- A copy of the report of the loss of the maritime service record submitted to one of the police stations or a notification to the maritime authority if the loss occurred outside the Kingdom.

• B- A recent personal photograph.