Ship Registration Under Oman’s Maritime Law: Explained

Oman has established a clear legal framework for ship registration under its new Maritime Law, issued via Royal Decree 19/2023. The law mandates that any ship wishing to operate under the Omani flag must be officially registered with the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs or an authorized body. This registration is a prerequisite for hoisting the Omani flag.

“

No ship is permitted to hoist the Omani flag unless it is duly registered in the official register maintained by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs or an authorized entity.

Shipowners or their legal representatives are required to submit a registration application within 30 days of a ship's construction or acquisition, whether within Oman or abroad. For used vessels, the law stipulates that the ship's age must not exceed 20 years, and its technical specifications must be approved by recognized maritime classification and supervision bodies. Temporary registration, valid for up to 90 days and renewable, may be granted by the maritime authority, but ships cannot be used for any purpose during this period without a navigational license.

“

Shipowners or their legal representatives must submit a registration application within 30 days of the ship’s construction or acquisition within the Sultanate of Oman, or from the date of receipt if the building or acquisition was done abroad, accompanied by the required documents.

Each registered Omani ship must bear an approved name and display it in Arabic or English, along with its port of registration. Changes to registered details must be reported within 10 working days. Vessels can be removed from the register for various reasons, including piracy, ownership disputes, maintenance, accidents, or loss of Omani nationality. The maritime authority also reserves the right to deregister vessels that violate registration conditions, laws, or if deemed necessary for higher national interest.

“

For the registration of used ships, the law requires that the ship’s age does not exceed 20 years, and that its technical specifications are approved by recognized bodies for maritime classification and supervision over ships.

Registration confers Omani nationality, which is essential for operating within the Sultanate's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. It is a mandatory step before obtaining navigational licenses, allowing the ship to be used for any purpose and benefit from the legal protections offered under Omani maritime jurisdiction. The law aims to ensure compliance and enhance maritime safety and security within Oman's waters.

“

Temporary registration may be granted by the maritime authority for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days and may be renewed for a period specified by the maritime authority, subject to meeting the prescribed requirements and payment of the prescribed fees; however, it is not permitted to use the ship for any purpose during the temporary registration period except after obtaining the navigational license.