Bahrain remains committed to strengthening its maritime safety and security and reinforcing its status as a preferred destination for yachts and maritime tourism, a top official has affirmed.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said this is being achieved through regulatory decisions and initiatives that contribute to the kingdom’s comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad and followed up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The minister highlighted Edict (9) of 2025, issued to regulate navigation permits for visiting vessels in Bahraini waters.
It stipulates that non-commercial foreign vessels intended for leisure must obtain a navigation permit from the ministry’s Ports and Maritime Affairs Directorate before sailing in Bahraini waters, without requiring a local shipping agent.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla said the edict aims to reinforce Bahrain’s status as a leading regional hub for yacht tourism. It also aims to develop maritime, environmental and sports tourism in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the decision published in the Official Gazette, a fee of BD50 is imposed for issuing or renewing the navigation permit. The guidelines also specify a BD50 customs fee for both entry and exit at exceptional ports. This is in addition to passport fees of BD5 for both entry and exit, according to our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej. The navigation fee of BD50 covers both entry and exit and is valid for one year as a multi-entry permit.
The permit could be temporarily suspended to rectify violations, or cancelled and the vessel would be obliged to leave Bahraini waters if it poses a threat to the kingdom’s security, maritime and marine environment safety, or if its presence conflicts with public interest.
This is also applicable in cases of non-compliance with the permit guidelines, failure to correct violations within the specified time-frame, or any other cases determined by the relevant authority.
Under-Secretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs Bader Hood Al Mahmood confirmed that the ministry has issued a comprehensive guide for visiting vessels in Bahraini waters.
He added that the guide outlines pre-arrival procedures, operating requirements throughout the vessel’s stay, and compliance with national laws and regulations.
These include the operation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), ensuring the vessel’s seaworthiness, immediate reporting of any incidents, and the vessel owner’s responsibility to complete all requirements related to navigation permits and entry visas for passengers and crew.
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