Saudi Arabia sets 5,000-riyal fine for unlicensed marine rescue equipment maintenance

Businesses that maintain marine rescue equipment in Saudi Arabia face a 5,000-riyal fine if they operate without a license, after its expiry, or after changing their business location or legal structure without approval from the Transport General Authority.

The same penalty applies to transferring a license without the authority’s approval. The fine can rise to 10,000 riyals if a business obstructs service inspectors or experts from classification bodies.

The regulations, approved by the Ministry of Transport, require facilities to obtain an authority license, hire certified technicians, provide the necessary equipment and manufacturers’ instructions, and apply a quality system compatible with the latest ISO 9000 standards.

Licenses will remain valid for three years, as will technician cards, subject to renewal. Facilities must obtain a separate sub-license for each branch and cannot operate after a license expires, is revoked or is suspended. Renewal may be granted for a similar period if the application is submitted 90 days before expiry and all due fees and fines are paid. Applications will not be accepted if more than 30 days have passed since the license expired.