Umm Al-Qura Gazette · Implementing regulation · Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, and Re-Certification of Marine Rescue Equipment and Devices · 2026
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The Umm Al-Qura Gazette (UQN) published the Implementing Regulation for the Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, and Re-Certification of Marine Rescue Equipment and Devices in its issue dated September 4, 2026, setting out the licensing procedures for establishments carrying out this activity under the Authority's oversight.
At a glance
- Issuing authority
- Umm Al-Qura Gazette (UQN)
- Gazette date
- September 4, 2026
- Scope
- An implementing regulation setting out the licensing procedures for establishments that carry out inspection, maintenance, repair, and re-certification of marine rescue equipment and devices, applying to Saudi-flagged ships and establishments carrying out this activity in the Kingdom.
What it requires
| Who | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Licensed establishment | Employs technicians certified by the manufacturer, provides the necessary equipment and technical instructions, and applies a quality system compliant with ISO 9000, to obtain a 3-year license from the Authority. |
| Certified technician | Holds a technician card issued by the Authority, valid for 3 years, which is suspended if the technician is found to have failed to comply with manufacturer instructions or IMO resolutions. |
| A party in breach of the regulation | Is fined between SAR 5,000 and SAR 10,000 depending on the violation, under the schedule set out in the regulation. |
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What regulation did the Umm Al-Qura Gazette publish on marine rescue equipment?
The Umm Al-Qura Gazette (UQN) published the Implementing Regulation for the Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, and Re-Certification of Marine Rescue Equipment and Devices on September 4, 2026. The regulation sets out the procedures for issuing, renewing, and cancelling a license to carry out this activity, and the requirements for the establishment applying for a license, consistent with the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and IMO resolutions.
Who does the regulation apply to?
The regulation applies to ships flying the flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that are subject to Chapter III of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, and to establishments that carry out inspection, maintenance, repair, and re-certification of marine rescue equipment and devices within the Kingdom in accordance with IMO resolutions.
What conditions must an establishment meet to obtain a license?
The regulation requires the establishment to employ technicians certified by the manufacturer, provide the equipment and technical instructions specific to each type of marine rescue equipment, maintain premises in the licensed city, and apply a quality system compliant with ISO 9000 covering elements that include training, calibration, and documentation. It also requires supporting documents, including a valid commercial registration, an insurance policy covering professional liability, and an Approved Service Provider (ASP) certificate.
What is the license term, and how is it renewed or transferred?
The main license is issued to the establishment for 3 years, and a sub-license is required for each branch carrying out the activity. The license may be renewed for similar terms if a renewal request is submitted within 90 days before its expiry; a renewal request is not accepted more than 30 days after expiry. An establishment may transfer the license to another party with the Authority's prior approval, with the transfer of equipment completed within 60 days of that approval.
What fines apply for breaching the regulation?
The regulation sets a fine of SAR 5,000 for an establishment that carries out the activity without a license, breaches its obligations, changes its premises or legal entity without prior approval, or transfers the license to another party without the Authority's approval. The fine rises to SAR 10,000 for anyone who obstructs service inspectors or authorized classification-society experts.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for licensing the inspection and maintenance of marine rescue equipment?
The Authority is responsible for issuing, renewing, and cancelling the license of establishments that carry out inspection, maintenance, repair, and re-certification of marine rescue equipment and devices, under the implementing regulation issued for this purpose.
How long is the main license and the technician card valid?
The main license is issued to the establishment for 3 years, and the technician card is also valid for 3 years, renewable on a request submitted at least 90 days before it expires.
What is the fine for carrying out the activity without a license?
The regulation sets a fine of SAR 5,000 for an establishment that carries out the activity without a license or through an unlicensed branch.
Can Saudi-flagged ships use a foreign establishment outside the Kingdom?
This is permitted if the foreign establishment is approved by classification societies and by the manufacturer, is approved by the competent maritime authority in the country where it operates, and submits its information in Arabic or English.
Issuances referenced
Related briefings
Official sources
- Umm Al-Qura Gazette: Implementing Regulation for the Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, and Re-Certification of Marine Rescue Equipment and Devices
- Umm Al-Qura Gazette — Issuing authority — official website
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