Marina and Yacht Operations in Saudi Arabia: Key International and National Regulations for Operations Managers

Khalid Almariee
Apr 5
3 min read

As Saudi Arabia expands its marine tourism and luxury yacht sectors—particularly with projects along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts—the role of marina and yacht operations managers has become increasingly crucial. To ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations, managers must navigate a range of international maritime laws and Saudi national regulations.

This article provides a detailed guide to the key regulatory frameworks that an operations manager must understand and implement for managing marinas, piers, and yacht operations in Saudi Arabia.

International Regulations and Standards

1. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Regulations

The IMO governs global shipping standards, and its conventions are essential even for private and commercial yacht operators:

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea): Establishes minimum safety standards for vessel construction, equipment, and operation.
MARPOL (Marine Pollution): Regulates pollution from ships, including oil, garbage, sewage, and air emissions.
ISM Code (International Safety Management): Ensures a structured and documented system for safety and pollution prevention.
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping): Specifies qualifications and training standards for crew members.

2. ISO Standards for Marinas

To enhance the quality and environmental impact of marina operations, the following standards are highly recommended:

ISO 13687-1, 2, 3: Define service levels for basic, intermediate, and high-tier marinas.
ISO 21406: Focuses on environmental management specific to marina operations.
ISO 9001 / 14001: Provide frameworks for quality and environmental management systems.

3. Port State Control (PSC)

Yachts operating internationally are subject to inspection under regional agreements such as:

Paris MoU
Tokyo MoU
Riyadh MoU (specific to the Gulf region)

These inspections ensure compliance with international safety and environmental standards.

4. Classification Societies

Yachts may also be voluntarily or commercially classified by bodies such as:

Lloyd’s Register
DNV
Bureau Veritas

These classifications help ensure construction quality, safety systems, and ongoing compliance.

National Regulations in Saudi Arabia

1. Transport General Authority (TGA)

The TGA oversees maritime transport operations, including:

Licensing of yachts and marina facilities.
Inspections and compliance checks for maritime safety.
Approval for commercial yacht operations.

2. Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI)

MAWANI is responsible for:

Regulating and supervising port and marina operations.
Issuing permits for marine infrastructure development.
Enforcing port access control and security measures.

3. Ministry of Interior – Border Guards

Handles:

Coastal security and surveillance.
Immigration and customs clearance for foreign yachts.
Maritime zone entry and exit authorizations.

4. Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA)

Oversees marine and coastal tourism activities along the Red Sea coast:

Approves marine tourism licenses.
Reviews infrastructure projects for tourism use.
Ensures ecological balance and sustainable development.

5. Environmental Compliance

Environmental regulations are enforced by:

National Center for Wildlife (NCW) – Protects marine biodiversity and natural reserves.
National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) – Monitors pollution, enforces environmental standards.

⚙️ Key Operational Responsibilities for Marina & Yacht Managers

To remain compliant and operationally sound, managers must implement and monitor several aspects of marina and yacht operations:

✅ Licensing and Documentation

Yacht registration and operation permits.
Marina construction and business operation licenses.
Environmental and safety system certifications.

✅ Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Installation and regular maintenance of fire safety systems.
Safe mooring and docking procedures.
Life-saving appliances and pollution prevention equipment.

✅ Environmental Management

Oil spill containment and waste disposal systems.
Sewage treatment and garbage collection facilities.
MARPOL-compliant waste handling protocols.

✅ Staff Qualifications and Training

STCW certification for seafarers.
First aid, firefighting, and security training.
Continuous training aligned with ISO or ISM requirements.

✅ Customer Service and Legal Compliance

Support for yacht immigration/customs clearance.
Transparent berthing contracts and customer guidelines.
Adherence to international standards in guest services and marine hospitality.

📌 Conclusion

Whether managing a private marina or a luxury yacht terminal, operations managers in Saudi Arabia must blend international best practices with strict national regulations. With Saudi Arabia’s marine sector poised for significant growth, aligning with these frameworks is not only a legal necessity but a strategic advantage.

For optimal results, consider implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), performing regular audits, and keeping up-to-date with evolving regulations from authorities such as the TGA, SRSA, and MAWANI.