Red Sea Authority - Marine Tourism Regulation Takes Effect to Classify Watercrafts

Red Sea Authority - Marine Tourism Regulation Takes Effect to Classify Watercrafts

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has introduced a new Marine Tourism Watercraft Classification Regulation to standardize and regulate watercraft operating along the Red Sea coast.

The regulation classifies vessels based on motorization—motorized or non-motorized—and size, covering large yachts, cruise ships, recreational boats, and other types of watercraft.

The aim is to ensure safety, streamline oversight, and create clear operational standards for each category. By implementing these classifications, authorities can enforce tailored licensing, inspection, and operational rules, supporting sustainable marine tourism. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to develop the Red Sea region as a global tourism and maritime destination while enhancing safety and regulatory compliance for visitors and operators.

The regulation aims to: Ensure consistent safety, oversight and standards for marine tourism vessels Enable clear regulatory requirements according to vessel type and scale Facilitate sustainable development of coastal tourism and marine activity By distinguishing among vessel categories, authorities can better tailor licensing, inspection, and operational rules appropriate to each class.

The SRSA, established in 2021, has a mandate to regulate, develop, and oversee marine tourism and coastal development across Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. The new classification regulation complements existing codes and regulatory frameworks published by SRSA, such as marina planning & operations and cruise terminal codes.

More details can be found on their page here: https://redsea.gov.sa/en/node/260