Terms and duration of sailing permits via Absher | Your comprehensive guide

In a new step reflecting the ongoing digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior's electronic platform announced significant updates to its sailing permit service via Absher. This service aims to streamline procedures for citizens and residents who enjoy the sea and fishing, while maintaining the highest standards of maritime safety and security. The platform has specified precise details, including the maximum duration of sea voyages and the number of permits allowed, ensuring the regulation of maritime traffic for vessels of all sizes and types.

Digital transformation and the history of maritime services in the Kingdom

Historically, obtaining sailing permits required manual visits to border guard offices and the submission of supporting documents, a process that was time-consuming and laborious for applicants. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Interior's various sectors have undergone a significant transformation towards comprehensive digitalization. The launch and development of e-services are part of this broader context, transforming paper-based services into integrated digital platforms. This transformation not only streamlines procedures but also enhances maritime surveillance, protects the environment, and ensures faster emergency response, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing its digital infrastructure to meet the highest international standards.

Permitted timeframes for issuing sailing permits via Absher

The Absher platform, via its official account on the X platform, clarified that the maximum permissible sailing time depends primarily on the length of the vessel, in order to ensure passenger safety and the boat's suitability for the journey's duration. The breakdown is as follows:

• For vessels less than 9 meters in length: the permitted sailing period shall not exceed a maximum of 3 days.
• Vessels longer than 9 meters: are allowed to sail for up to 14 consecutive days.

The platform also provided high flexibility for beneficiaries, as an unlimited number of permits can be issued in general, but it is required that there is no more than one valid permit for the same maritime vessel in the same time period, which prevents regulatory overlap.

Types of maritime permits available

To cover all needs, the platform allows the issuance of three main types of permits: fishing sailing permits, recreational sailing permits, and sailing permits for rescue operations.

Basic release terms and requirements

To ensure a safe and legal journey, the relevant authorities have established a set of strict requirements that must be met before an application can be approved, including:

• The maritime vessel's operating license and the captain's driving license must be valid.
• The nature of the marine vessel's work must be compatible with the type of permit required (pleasure, fishing, rescue).
• The required sailing period must not exceed the expiry date of any of the vessel's or captain's basic documents.
• If the purpose of the voyage is fishing, a valid fishing license is required for the captain and all companions classified as fishermen.

The importance and expected impact of regulating maritime navigation

The electronic issuance of these permits is of paramount importance and has a multifaceted impact. Domestically, it contributes to enhancing maritime safety and reducing accidents, as well as boosting domestic tourism by facilitating access for enthusiasts to Saudi Arabia's extensive coastlines on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Regionally and internationally, these steps strengthen the Kingdom's position as a safe and advanced maritime tourism destination and support efforts to protect the regional marine environment by monitoring boat traffic and curbing overfishing. Furthermore, the integration of this data contributes to compliance with international codes for the security of ships and port facilities.

Manage permits with ease

One of the most prominent features of the new system is granting the beneficiary complete control over their permit. Through simple steps via their personal account, users can view permit details, modify their information before starting their trip, extend the permit's validity (subject to the permitted conditions), or even cancel the permit entirely if their plans change, thus providing an exceptional and convenient user experience that meets the expectations of citizens and residents.