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Saudi Arabia Flag of Saudi Arabia

Pre Arrival:  Charts | Documents | Restrictions
Arrival:  Approaches
Communications:  Pre-Arrival
Berthing Ops:  Mooring
Cargo:  Cargo
Pollution:  Ballast | Pollution
Facilities:  Medical
Security:  Regs
Local Info:  Holidays | Weather
Shore:  Consuls | Connections | Customs
Crew:  Leave | Repatriation | ID Cards
Misc:  Authority
General Information for Saudi Arabia
Geo-political:
Capital City: Riyadh. 24° 39.00′ N, 046° 42.00′ E
Nationality: (noun) Saudi(s), (adjective) Saudi or Saudi Arabian.
Population: 34,173,498 (July 2020).
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 966.
Number of Internal Airports: 214 (2013).
Major Languages Spoken: Arabic (official).
Economy:
Currency: 1 Saudi Riyal (SAR) of 100 Halalah.
Exchange Rates:  (as of December 2020)
USD 1.00 = SAR 3.75
SAR 1.00 = USD 0.27
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide, caustic soda, cement, fertiliser, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair and construction.
Agricultural Products: Wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus, mutton, chickens, eggs and milk.
Imports: Machinery, equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles and textiles.
Exports: Petroleum and petroleum products.
Commodities: Crude: Production 10,425,000 bbl/d. Exports 7,341,000 bbl/d. Reserves 266,200,000,000 bbl. Products: Production 2,476,000 bbl/d. Exports 1,784,000 bbl/d. Imports 609,600 bbl/d. LNG: Production 109,300,000,000 cu.m.. Reserves 8,619,000,000,000 cu.m..
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Contiguous Zone: Contiguous Zone: 18 n.m. Continental Shelf: not specified.
Coastline Extent: 2,640 km.
Climate: Harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes.
Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold and copper.
Natural Hazards: Frequent sand and dust storms and despite many volcanic formations, there has been little activity in the past few centuries; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar.
Terrain: Mostly sandy desert.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 21° C 8° C
June 42° C 25° C
September 39° C 22° C
CHARTS:  Hydrographic charts and nautical publications and notices, including Notices to Mariners, produced by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia General Commission for Survey.
DOCUMENTS:  See Pre-Arrival Information.
RESTRICTIONS:  Vessel Age - Saudi Aramco:  Less than 10 Years Old:  If a vessel under 10 years of age is nominated to lift cargo at any Saudi Aramco facility, its eligibility for acceptance is first determined by reference to the PTMS Database. Any safety or operational discrepancies noted on the vessel during any previous port call that have not been documented as corrected by the vessel’s owners may cause the vessel to be rejected at Saudi Aramco’s sole discretion. Additionally, Saudi Aramco consult the OCIMF SIRE database to determine the status of a vessel upon being nominated. If latest SIRE report is unsatisfactory, the vessel may also be rejected until all deficiencies are corrected to their satisfaction. Failure to provide evidence of correction of discrepancies prior to arrival may cause the vessel to be rejected or delayed on arrival. Any costs will be for the vessel's account.
Vessels Over 10 Years of Age:  Without exception, vessels which have not visited a Saudi Aramco facility for one year or more must have a current OCIMF SIRE Inspection Report acceptable to Saudi Aramco. Failure to have a current, acceptable SIRE Report will result in the vessel being rejected during nomination. Notwithstanding an acceptable SIRE Report, any uncorrected deficiencies noted in the Saudi Aramco PTMS Database may also be grounds for rejection.
All Vessels:  Additionally, all vessels will be subject to a pre-berthing inspection by the designated representative. While a vessel may have an acceptable SIRE Report and the Saudi Aramco PTMS Database contains no deficiency information on the vessel, a vessel may be rejected on the basis of the pre-berthing inspection if, in the opinion of the Port Captain or designated representative, condition of the vessel presents an unreasonable risk of pollution, or damage to property, or injury to personnel.
Flagged Vessels:  Any vessel that causes a pollution incident, or is found to have serious safety or operational deficiencies, or violations of international safety standards, may be flagged in the PTMS Database at the discretion of the Port Captain. All such flagged vessels, regardless of age, must thereafter have an acceptable OCIMF SIRE Report dated within six months of entry. In addition, all flagged vessels will be subject to a stringent vetting inspection on the occasion of each visit. On arrival, the Master of any flagged vessel will be required to guarantee that every effort has been made to ensure the safety of the vessel and personnel and the avoidance of pollution. This will include submission of satisfactory documentary evidence of preventative measures to be taken during cargo operations.
Banned Vessels:  Any flagged vessel that causes pollution, or is found on arrival to have serious uncorrected safety or operational deficiencies or violations of international safety standards, may be permanently banned from entry into all Saudi Aramco facilities.
APPROACHES:  Security:  Oil infrastructure remains a possible terrorist target. Shipping serving the oil installations should make sure SSPs are implemented fully and robustly while operating in the area. All ships should maintain a high state of vigilance while in Saudi Arabian ports, and report anything suspicious to the authorities. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb areas may be at increased risk of maritime attack from pirates.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  The following Saudi Ports Authority and GCC Notification and Reporting forms must be completed:
  1. Uniform Ship Pre-arrival Notification Report; to be submitted to the port at least 48 hours before arrival
  2. Uniform Masters Report; this report will be handed by the Master to the pilot on the vessels arrival
  3. Uniform Ship Pre-Arrival Report as per ISPS Code; to be submitted to the port at least 48 hours before arrival
  4. Uniform Vessel Accident Report; to be used for any incident or accident
  5. Uniform Vessel Waste Collection Report for GCC Ports; to be submitted to the port at least 48 hours before arrival
  6. Maritime Declaration of Health; to be submitted to the port/competent authority at least 48 hours before arrival.
Every vessel must have a copy of GCC Rules and Regulations (Gulf Cooperation Council) on board, or obtain a copy of it on first arrival at the port. In addition to this every owner, charterer, Master or Agent applying for permission for a ship to enter a port under GCC regulations must ensure that the standard of the ship, including the ship's Master and crew certificates are not below the standards set by International Conventions, Protocols, Resolutions or Codes of Practice as follows:
  1. International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, including SOLAS Protocol 1978, always as amended
  2. International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, including Protocol 88, always as amended
  3. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78), always as amended
  4. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC), 1990 including the protocol to this convention (HNS Protocol) covering marine pollution by hazardous and noxious substances, always as amended
  5. International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, Adoption: 13 February 2004, and its Resolutions, always as amended. vi. International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, always as amended
  6. Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), 1972, always as amended.
Saudi Aramco: 
Western Region:  All vessels visiting Saudi Aramco Ports in the Western Region (Duba, Yanbu, Jeddah and Gizan) to use the following email address [email protected] for sending pre-arrival standard telexes and any other related issues, such as changes in ETA, Cargo requirements, etc.
MOORING:  Saudi Aramco:  Tankers other than small coastal tankers of 5,000 d.w.t. or less, shall provide a minimum of 16 mooring lines resulting in 3, 3, 2 fore and aft.
Gas carriers of prismatic cargo tank construction and less than 30,000 cu.m. cargo capacity, which do not meet the minimum mooring requirements for gas carriers of greater capacity, shall provide a minimum of 16 mooring lines resulting in 3, 3, 2 fore and aft. Coastal gas carriers of 5,000 d.w.t. or less, shall be moored to the pilot and Master's discretion.
Wire Moorings:  The following minimum wire mooring line requirements are mandatory for all tankers over 75,000 d.w.t. berthing at Saudi Aramco Piers and Sea Islands.
Size Min Wires Required Wires Recommended
(d.w.t.) (No.) (No.)
75,000–160,000 8 12
160,001–250.000 10 12
250,001–300,000 12 14
300,001–350,000 12 16
350,001> 14 16
All the mooring wires on board shall be used to best effect to meet the above requirements.
Recommended Construction of Wire Moorings: For mooring VLCCs it is recommended that a minimum construction for wire moorings should be GSWR, Dia 42 mm,. 6×37 complete with IWRC.
Emergency Towing-Off Pennants:  Emergency towing wires (fire wires) shall be made fast to bitts as far forward and as far aft as practicable on the side of the vessel opposite to the cargo connections. Wires to be in good condition and secured with a min. five figure-of-eight turns on the bitts. led directly to the chock with no slack on deck; a heaving line made fast to the eye shall be used to maintain the eye of the wire 1.0–2.0 m. above the water.
Size MBL Length
(d.w.t.) (tons) (m.)
<20,000 30 45
20,000–100,000 55 60
100,000–300,000 100 70
300,000> 120 70
CARGO OPERATIONS:  Saudi Aramco:  Gas Freeing and Tank Cleaning:  No gas freeing or tank washing shall be carried out at the berth. Crude oil washing, however, is permitted with Terminal permission.
Early Departure Procedure:  Use is encouraged and should be requested at the earliest opportunity. Close coordination with the Agent is required to expedite the delivery of the required documentation to the vessel. It is essential that radio contact with Saudi Aramco be maintained after departure until cargo quantities are received and Agent has been authorised to sign documents.
Where the Master elects not to take advantage of the early departure procedure, a wait of several hours at anchor for the Bills of Lading will be required. The bills will be completed by Saudi Aramco after which the Agent will deliver to the Master for their signature.
BALLAST:  ROPME Sea Area (RSA):  In light of the Ballast Water Management Convention that replaced the voluntary guidelines and considering the specific provisions of the Convention, it is desired to take the necessary steps to mitigate the risk of introduction of harmful species and also to harmonise national and regional policies to address the issue of ballast water in the RSA.
The RSA is defined as extending between the following geographic positions:
  • 16° 39.00′ N, 053° 03.50′ E
  • 16° 00.00′ N, 053° 25.00′ E
  • 17° 00.00′ N, 056° 30.00′ E
  • 20° 30.00′ N, 060° 00.00′ E
  • 25° 04.00′ N, 061° 25.00′ E
The area is the largest recipient of ship's ballast water. Annually, more than 50,000 vessels visit this area and discharge a large amount of ballast water. The RSA is a semi-enclosed water body with intensely hot summers and short cool winters, extensive air and water temperature fluctuation and relatively high salinity. It is also characterised by high turbidity and low exchange of water with open waters. Therefore, there is also a need to manage and control the spread of harmful aquatic species in ship's ballast water by implementing a set of measures such as ballast water exchange outside the RSA.
With effect from 1 November 2009, all ships, regardless of flag, will be required to exchange and treat all ballast water taken up outside the RSA for the protection of the marine environment. This comprises the states of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Taking into consideration the provisions of the Regulation B-4 of the Ballast Water Management Convention , the following points should be observed:
  1. Vessels arriving from outside the RSA should undertake ballast water exchange en route in water over 200 n.m. from the nearest land and in water of least depth 200 m.
  2. If not possible for safety reasons, vessel should be expected to make minor deviations to areas within the 200 n.m. limit that can be identified as discharge areas, so long as such areas are more than 50 n.m. from the nearest land in waters of least depth 200 m.
  3. If not achievable, ship shall provide the respective authority with the reason why she has not done so, and further ballast water management measures may be required, consistent with the Ballast Water Management Convention and other international laws.
Ballast water, that has been treated with a ballast water treatment system approved in accordance with IMO standards, does not need to be exchanged.
Ships will be required to have on board an approved Ballast Water Management Plan in accordance with the IMO standards. Ships should also have and maintain a Ballast Water Record Book. From the date specified above, all the ships passing Strait of Hormuz will be required to complete the Regional Ballast Water Reporting Form (RBWRF). The ships will be inspected by the Port State Control Officers to ensure these regional requirements are fully implemented.
For further assistance contact the local Agent or respected Port Authority or MEMAC as the Regional Centre at [email protected] at the earliest opportunity.
POLLUTION:  The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defence and Aviation is responsible for all environmental matters in the Kingdom, including planning for the conservation of natural marine and coastal resources. Notification of pollution incidents should be made to the nearest port authority. The PME can also be notified for spills away from ports.
Contact:  Presidency of Meteorology & Environment (PME) T: 966 (emergency national number); Western Province, Jeddah T: +966 (12) 651 6426. F: +966 (12) 653 0184; Eastern Province, Dammam T: +966 (13) 857 5300. F: +966 (13) 857 6752.
MEDICAL:  Healthcare facilities in major cities are of a high standard. Most towns have a health centre or basic hospital. Serious cases may mean a transfer by ambulance or by air to hospitals in a major city that might be some distance away. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you bring medication with you into Saudi Arabia, carry a doctor’s prescription.
Contagious diseases spread quickly, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are very common.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your stay in Saudi Arabia, dial 997 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
REGULATIONS: 
  1. Penalties for the possession of, or trade in, alcohol are severe; both result in prison sentences. Do not arrive in Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol.
  2. Electronic devices may be screened by Customs officials on arrival and departure.
  3. The possession of pornographic material, or of illustrations of scantily dressed people, especially women, is prohibited.
  4. The punishment for smuggling drugs includes the death penalty.
  5. Importing pork products is forbidden.
  6. It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia. Second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they’re discovered.
  7. The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal; as is an intention to convert others; however, the Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a Bible into the country as long as it is for your personal use. Importing larger quantities than this can carry severe penalties.
  8. Homosexual acts and extra-marital sexual relations, including adultery, are illegal and can be subject to severe penalties. It’s also illegal to be transgender. Transgender people travelling to Saudi Arabia are likely to face significant difficulties and risks if this is discovered by the authorities.
Legal Issues:  The Saudi legal system differs in many ways from other countries. Suspects can be held without charge and are not always allowed quick access to legal representation. The Saudi authorities have detained witnesses and victims of crimes. If you need consular assistance, your national embassy/consulate staff will try to visit you as soon as they are aware of the case, but in some instances embassy/consular staff have not been permitted to do so immediately or have had access limited. Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute. Government bodies often retain passports for official purposes; sponsors also sometimes retain passports, although this is illegal.
Flags:  Vessels shall fly the national flag of Saudi Arabia whilst in national waters. A vessel flying the flag of Saudi Arabia incorrectly or flying an incorrect replica of the flag will not be berthed.
HOLIDAYS:  As Saudi Arabia is a pure Islamic country, only muslim festivals and a National Day are holidays. Muslims have only two main festivals, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. National Day is 23 September.
Government and public sectors can expect 15–20 day's holiday on each eid, private sector workers can expect 4 days’ holiday per eid as per Saudi labour laws. Note that eid and the day before eid are mandatory holidays, while other holidays may be worked at overtime rates.
Friday and Saturday are weekend holidays for government and most private sectors
WEATHER/TIDES:  Flooding:  Heavy rains can cause flooding between November and February. During this period you should check weather forecasts in newspapers and follow any advice issued by the Civil Defence; the two English language newspapers are Arab News and Saudi Gazette.
CONSULS:  Details of diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia can be found online at: www.mofa.gov.sa/sites/mofaen
CONNECTIONS:  Road Travel:  Where possible, keep to major roads. When travelling to more rural areas, take precautions such as travelling in convoy and during daylight.
Standards of driving are poor and there are a high number of serious accidents. You should wear seatbelts at all times. Distances between cities are large and emergency services can take some time to get to any accidents or emergencies.
Some Saudi cities have implemented an automated traffic system. You’ll need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country. You can pay at the airport but only during regular Saudi office hours.
CUSTOMS:  Contact: Saudi Customs. www.customs.gov.sa/sites/sc/en
Port T: +966 Email
Jeddah (12) 648 6811 [email protected]
Dammam (13) 857 3376 [email protected]
Yanbu (14) 398 0420 [email protected]
Jubail (13) 362 0137 [email protected]
Ras Tanurah (13) 667 1626 [email protected]
King Abudllah 5691 87900
Duba (14) 432 1143 [email protected]
Gazan (17) 317 1993 [email protected]
Fursan (17) 316 0070 [email protected]
SHORE LEAVE:  Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Although the crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, there have been some isolated incidents of more serious crimes. Take particular care when travelling outside towns and cities. Petty crime does also occur.
It is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. The law is strictly enforced.
Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced. Women should wear conservative, loose-fitting clothes as well as a full length cloak (abaya) and a headscarf. Men should not wear shorts in public.
Photographing government buildings, military installations, and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people. Binoculars should not be brought into Saudi Arabia and may be confiscated at the port of entry.
REPATRIATION:  If you are transiting through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa if the connecting time between your flights is more than 12 hours. Once the ticket is issued, you should confirm with your airline or travel agency if you need a transit visa. You should be able to apply for a transit visa through your airline, travel agency or through an established agent via the visa section of the nearest Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi authorities have announced that all Muslims not holding Hajj visas will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia via Jeddah (or Madina) airports during Hajj. The only exceptions are those holding Saudi residency permits, although anecdotal evidence has suggested that in recent years even Muslim residency permit holders have had difficulties boarding flights to Jeddah (and Madina) in the days immediately before Hajj. These rules do not apply to entry via Saudi Arabia’s other international airports.
If you are a non-Muslim visitor travelling to these destinations, you may be asked to explain the purpose of your trip or asked to show evidence of an appointment before being allowed to board a flight to Jeddah.
Marine/Seamen Working Visas:  Marine/Seamen visas are available for holders of mariner credentials or seaman’s cards. Authorisation by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs must have been obtained by the sponsor company in Saudi Arabia prior to the applicant applying for a visa. Applicants require a letter of invitation from a company in Saudi Arabia, a letter of introduction from their company in their home country and a valid marine passport or seaman’s card. Visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days for both single entry and multiple entry visas, and a visa fee is payable online at enjazit.com.sa
IDENTIFICATION CARDS:  You should carry a photocopy of your passport for identification. Make sure you have included emergency contact details.
AUTHORITY:  Head Office:  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ports Authority, PO Box 5162, Riyadh 11422, Saudi Arabia. T: +966 (11) 405 0005. F: +966 (11) 405 3508. [email protected] mawani.gov.sa