Introduction to the sailing permit service via Absher
In a new step reflecting the ongoing digital development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Absher e-platform announced the details and conditions for issuing various types of sailing permits. This service aims to streamline procedures for citizens and residents who are passionate about the sea and fishing, and to provide a safe and organized maritime environment that adheres to the highest standards of maritime safety and security.
General context and historical background of digital transformation
The Saudi Ministry of Interior's "Absher" platform is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for digital transformation. Historically, obtaining sailing permits required visiting the offices of the General Directorate of Border Guards and submitting documents manually, a process that was time-consuming and laborious. Today, with the launch of this service electronically, beneficiaries can complete all procedures in just a few minutes, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing e-government and facilitating the lives of its citizens.
Maximum sailing time and number of permits allowed
The Absher platform, via its official account on the “X” platform, clarified that the permitted sailing time varies depending on the length of the vessel, in order to ensure safety and facilitate monitoring and rescue operations when needed. The times are as follows:
- For vessels less than 9 meters in length: the sailing period should not exceed 3 days.
- Vessels longer than 9 meters: are allowed sailing trips of up to a maximum duration of 14 days.
Regarding the number of permits, the platform confirmed that the beneficiary can issue an unlimited number of sailing permits, but with one essential condition: that no more than one permit is issued for the same vessel in the same time period, in order to prevent regulatory overlap.
Permit management and available types
The new service is highly flexible, with the platform answering users' questions about the possibility of managing the permit with a "yes." Users can easily view, modify, extend, or even cancel their sailing permit through their Absher account.
Types of sailing permits
To cover all maritime needs, the Absher platform allows the issuance of three main types of permits, which are:
- Fishing sailing permit.
- A sailing permit for leisure.
- Rescue sailing permit.
Requirements for issuing a sailing permit
To ensure the highest levels of safety, the relevant authorities have established a set of strict requirements that must be met before a permit can be issued, including:
- The maritime operator's license must be valid.
- The captain of the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
- The nature of the work of the maritime vessel is compatible with the type of permit required to be issued.
- The required sailing period must not exceed the expiry date of the essential documents.
- If the purpose of the voyage is fishing, a valid fishing license is required for the captain and all companions classified as fishermen.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The launch of the sailing permit service via Absher has a wide-ranging positive impact on several levels. Locally, it contributes to revitalizing the maritime tourism and leisure sector and supports local fishermen by facilitating their daily work. Regionally, it enhances the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in managing its extensive coastlines on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf using the latest technologies. Internationally, this meticulous regulation reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to international maritime conventions related to the safety of life at sea and facilitates search and rescue operations thanks to the availability of an accurate and real-time database of all vessels present in territorial waters.
