Bahrainis could be allowed on board sea-faring vessels without them being considered crew, to learn the profession.
The Shura Council is set to vote on amendments to the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law that would allow boat captains to take relatives up to the third degree on board.
The changes, originally presented by MPs, will be discussed during the Shura Council’s weekly session on Sunday.
However, the upper chamber’s public utilities and environment affairs committee has amended the legislation to drop the number and relative legal obligation, giving the minister concerned the right to determine the numbers of associates regardless of family ties.
Dr Hassan
Committee chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan said the move would help train young Bahrainis in responsible fishing practices under the supervision of experienced fishermen.
He pointed out that ministerial edict 4/2025 provides some regulatory support for licensing fishermen. However, it does not fully address the need for structured training and experience transfer.
“To resolve these concerns, the committee believes Bahraini captains (Nokhatha) should be allowed to bring trainees on board under specific conditions.
“A Nokhatha may, with the approval of the employer and the competent authority, bring a Bahraini trainee on board a commercial fishing vessel for training purposes for a period not exceeding six months,” said Dr Hassan.
“Only one trainee may be on board at a time. The procedures and conditions for such training shall be determined by a decision issued by the minister.”
Dr Hassan said legislators need to ensure that the training programme aligns with existing regulations, requiring employer and government approval to maintain oversight and prevent misuse.
“The law would apply to all Bahrainis, not just relatives of fishermen, to maximise its benefits and avoid discrimination,” he said.
“After careful consideration of all perspectives, the committee supports the objectives of the draft law but recommends modifications to improve its clarity and compliance with existing regulations.
“The committee recommends approving the draft law with the proposed amendments, ensuring a balance between regulatory flexibility, sustainable fisheries management, and the preservation of Bahrain’s maritime heritage.”
The government said that it agreed in principle with the objectives of the draft law, particularly in terms of preserving the fishing profession, transferring related expertise to future generations and encouraging young Bahrainis to engage in fishing-related professions, which contributes to protecting marine resources and fish stocks.
“The aim of the draft law – to enable Bahraini fishermen to bring their relatives on board fishing vessels for training and eventual transfer of fishing licences – is already addressed through ministerial edict 322 of 2021 on the procedures for transferring fishing licences.
“Additionally, administrative edict 2 of 2022 by then the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry allows Bahraini fishermen to bring Bahraini workers on board their fishing vessels according to vessel size and carrying capacity, ensuring environmental sustainability.”
The government highlighted concerns about potential inconsistencies between the draft law and existing legislation.
“The same law up for debate prohibits commercial fishing without a licence and requires all crew members on a fishing vessel to be registered with the employer, who is legally responsible for their compliance with regulations,” it said.
“The draft law permits unlicensed relatives or trainees of fishermen to be on board, which contradicts these legal provisions.
“It also raises concerns about ownership rights, as the law allows fishermen (but not vessel owners or captains) to bring relatives on board.
“Additionally, the proposal does not clarify what happens if multiple fishermen wish to bring relatives on the same vessel, potentially causing logistical and regulatory challenges.”
Dr Bin Daina
Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed Bin Daina said a ministerial edict, published in the Official Gazette on February 27, 2025, outlines conditions for obtaining a commercial fishing licence and specifies the number of Bahraini fishermen allowed on a vessel based on its size.
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