The Saudi Arabia Red Sea Authority has introduced new yacht regulations to support the growth of recreational yachting. These regulations cover Saudi yachts, visiting yachts, and megayacht leasing to encourage coastal tourism.

 

The regulations aim to establish a safe, sustainable, and investor-friendly maritime environment, focusing on safety, environmental sustainability, and passenger experience.

 

They require all locally registered, foreign-flagged, or chartered yachts to comply with rigorous maritime safety standards, including mandatory onboard equipment for rescue, firefighting, and communications.

 

The regulations also mandate strict controls on pollution, prohibiting waste discharge, ballast water, oils, and other harmful substances into the sea.

 

Yacht operators must implement marine waste management plans, reduce plastic usage, and comply with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), with a particular focus on protecting coral reefs and ecological habitats.

 

The regulations also prioritise passenger experience by setting clear standards for onboard hospitality, comfort, and recreational offerings, including spatial planning, enhanced safety measures, accessible marine activities, and inclusive services for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children.

 

The Red Sea Authority believes these regulations represent a pivotal step in regulating and advancing yacht tourism in Saudi Arabia, combining regulatory rigor with investor facilitation and innovation with sustainability. -TradeArabia News Service