Renting out pleasure boats to visitors in Saudi Red Sea waters will soon require a licence, after the Saudi Red Sea Authority issued the Kingdom's first Requirements and Conditions for Recreational Boat Chartering. The authority says the rules will regulate coastal tourism, raise service quality, improve safety and protect the marine environment.

Companies managing and operating boats must hold a Marine Activities Operator Licence, and each boat needs its own Tourism Charter Licence after passing an on-site technical inspection by an accredited company. Licences last 12 months and can be renewed on application, following a review of the operator's compliance record and service quality.

Before every trip, operators must give passengers full safety instructions and keep a written emergency plan in Arabic and English covering fire, collision and other incidents. They must take account of sea and weather conditions, speed and passenger capacity, not sail in unsuitable conditions, and carry insurance protecting visitors and the marine environment.

Visitors have the right to see full trip details before booking, including duration, route, departure and return points and activities. Prices, cancellation terms and refund policies must be disclosed, and no undisclosed fees may be charged. Where needed, operators must offer a suitable way to communicate with non-Arabic speakers, and all must have a clear complaints procedure.

Operators must also state how suitable their boats are for people with disabilities and what assistance is available, protect coral reefs and marine life, and operate only in areas approved by the authority.

The rules take effect 180 days after publication, as part of the authority's role as regulator of coastal tourism and in support of Saudi Vision 2030.