Muscat – Oman has introduced a new regulatory framework for foreign ships and marine units operating in its territorial waters, requiring prior licences, stricter compliance and financial penalties for violations as part of efforts to regulate maritime activity.

H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, has issued Ministerial Decision No 30/2026 promulgating the Regulations Governing the Operation of Foreign Ships and Marine Units in the Territorial Sea of the Sultanate of Oman. The decision was issued on January 26.

The regulations apply to all foreign vessels entering Oman’s territorial sea to carry out licensed activities. Exemptions are granted to military vessels, ships calling at Omani ports solely for loading or unloading, and vessels in emergency situations, provided they leave Omani waters once their purpose is completed.

Under the new rules, foreign ships and marine units are prohibited from conducting any activity in Omani waters without a navigation licence.

Licences are issued for a single voyage, multiple voyages or scheduled cruise voyages. Cruise licences must specify entry and exit dates for each trip, remain valid for one year and require a fee for every voyage.

Applications must be filed by the ship’s agent with the maritime authority at least three days before entry. Required documents include the vessel’s registration certificate, proof of insurance, a Protection and Indemnity (P&I) certificate, approval for the intended activity and any additional documents requested by the authority.

Licensed vessels are required to operate only in approved locations and comply with Omani laws while navigating or berthed at ports and marinas. They must leave Omani waters within 24 hours of licence expiry or cancellation, avoid stopping before completing arrival procedures at the nearest port and obtain a departure certificate before exiting. Vessels must keep their Automatic Identification System active, avoid restricted areas without approval, declare any weapons or ammunition on board and refrain from photographing public or private property.

The decision also places obligations on ship agents, including registering vessels in the Royal Oman Police customs system, completing passport and customs procedures, settling all fees and fines, and complying with residence laws and other applicable regulations. Agents are also responsible for handling onboard emergencies and securing departure certificates.

The maritime authority is empowered to suspend or cancel licences for non-compliance. Fines range from RO500 to RO5,000. Operating without a licence or outside authorised activities carries a fine of RO2,000, while providing false information or breaching regulatory obligations can result in fines of up to RO5,000.

The decision establishes a clear legal framework for foreign vessel operations in Oman’s waters and improves regulatory oversight of maritime traffic.