Kuwait issues new maritime law, violators face fines between 250 and 500 dinars
. . . tightens maritime safety rules on recreational boats and watercraft, jet skis, and floating units
Kuwait has issued Decree Law No. 61 of 2026 on maritime installations and floating units, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework comprising 44 articles aimed at modernizing maritime legislation in line with the Maritime Trade Law and strengthening oversight of small vessels and recreational watercraft.
The decree, published in the official gazette “Kuwait Alyawm”, defines its scope of application to include all maritime installations and floating units with a tonnage not exceeding 150 tons registered in Kuwait and operating within its territorial waters, regardless of form, purpose, or design. It also extends to traditional vessels of any weight, as well as cruisers, jet skis, floating craft, and any emerging categories of marine vessels with new technical characteristics.
Warships and military vessels are exempt from the provisions, provided that any change in status following sale is officially notified to the competent authority. Government vessels may also be excluded based on decisions issued by a designated committee.
The law grants a transitional period of up to six months for all covered maritime installations and floating units to regularize their legal status in accordance with the new framework.
It also outlines broad regulatory powers for the competent authority, including registration, inspection, monitoring, and investigation of maritime violations and accidents both within and, where necessary, outside Kuwaiti waters.
Authorities are further empowered to inspect vessels on land or at sea, and to take enforcement action, including the withdrawal or impoundment of non-compliant units, in accordance with committee-approved procedures.
A permanent committee will be formed by a decision of the Minister of Interior to set regulatory controls governing maritime activities, commercial operations, and marine clubs, as well as defining the responsibilities of shipping agents handling foreign traditional vessels, fishing boats, and cargo ships.
The decree also authorizes the Minister of Interior to determine, amend, or cancel fees related to its implementation and grants designated personnel judicial enforcement powers.
On safety standards, the law sets mandatory requirements for recreational and diving trips, including the availability of life jackets for all passengers, the presence of an assistant captain and trained rescuers on board, and strict compliance with safety regulations. For vessels carrying 12 passengers or more, additional requirements include sufficient life rafts and clearly marked lifebuoys bearing the vessel’s name and number.
The decree also introduces a detailed list of violations and penalties. Operators of floating units who fail to comply with licensing, registration, or safety requirements, or who violate navigation rules, may face fines ranging between KD 250 and KD 500.
Violations include operating without a valid captain’s license or registration, approaching restricted coastal zones within 300 meters, unsafe navigation near installations or tankers, participating in unlicensed water races, failure to carry safety equipment, non-use of life jackets, disabling required tracking systems such as AIS, reckless driving, and endangering public safety or violating public decency.
Authorities said the new law aims to enhance maritime safety, regulate increasing recreational marine activity, and ensure stronger oversight of Kuwait’s coastal and waterway environment in line with international standards.
