Operating Regulation

53. Reporting Accidents 1. If a ship sustains damage or is involved in an accident within the port, the captain of the ship shall promptly notify the watchtower, providing details, circumstances, and any other relevant information. 2. If the captain of the ship is unable to report the incident, the captains of other ships present at the scene shall promptly inform the port administration. 3. All emergencies, distress calls, or calls for help shall be addressed in accordance with the Unified Guide for Maritime Emergency Procedures in Saudi ports issued by the Authority. Operating Regulation 54. Priority Work for Ships in Accidents or Emergencies 1. If any person on board, i.e., crew or passengers, is exposed to danger, the captain of this affected ship or the captains of other ships present at the scene shall give priority to saving lives above all else. 2. The captain of the ship shall take the possible measures to keep the waterways or navigation channels clear of obstructions. 3. If a collision occurs between two ships, both captains shall take all necessary actions to remove any resulting obstructions. 4. If a ship sinks, nearby ships shall mark the wreckage location clearly, warn passing ships, and remain on-site (unless this endangers the security and safety of the ship and its crew) until the port administration assumes responsibility. 5. The port administration may permit the ships to enter during emergencies or rescue operations, provided that all precautions and procedures are taken to ensure navigation safety and to protect the environment, property, and people. 55. Duties of the Port 1. Specialists are deployed to ships that are in danger of grounding, sinking, or abandoned within the port boundaries. These specialists supervise rescue operations and take all necessary measures to prevent any blockage to the waterways, navigation channels, or sea routes. In an emergency, the captain of the ship is responsible for taking necessary actions to address this emergency. The port administration may intervene if the actions taken by the captain of the ship cause damage to the port’s property. 3. The captain of the ship is responsible for taking all necessary actions when the ship is exposed to an emergency within the port boundaries. The port administration retains the right to take necessary actions to prevent damage to the port’s property. 4. The registered owner or the operator shall salvage the shipwreck within the timeframe specified by the ports. If the shipwreck is not salvaged with the given timeframe, the port administration may take any procedures or actions to remove any shipwreck or abandoned ship within the port boundaries at the expense of the registered owner. The port administration shall not bear any legal or financial liability for the recovery or salvage of sunken crafts or parts within the port boundaries. 56. Control by Port Administration 1. The port administration shall fully control the rescue operations, either directly or through authorized agents, if: 1.1 the ship poses a direct impediment and danger to navigation safety within the port area, or an emergency occurs on the shipboard requiring immediate action, while such action shall be taken under the responsibility of the captain of the ship or the registered owner; 1.2 the captain of the ship fails to take the appropriate actions to remove the ship that may impede navigation within the timeframe specified by the port; or 1.3 the salvage operations are unsuccessful or insufficient. Operating Regulation 2. The port administration or its representative shall conduct such operations and define the duties of efficient personnel, crew, cargo, and equipment. 3. For any purpose whatsoever, no person may embark an abandoned ship or a maritime unit within the port boundaries without a written permission and supervision from the port administration. 57. Keeping of Salvaged Cargo and Equipment 1. Salvaged cargo or property from distressed ships shall be kept in the port administration’ custody unless otherwise decided by the port administration in consultation with relevant government entities operating in the port. 2. The port administration or its representative shall prepare list of all salvaged cargo. 3. The port administration may dispose of salvaged cargo if their retention poses a direct threat or danger to individuals, facilities, and environment. 4. Salvaged cargo or equipment shall not be released until the registered owner involved in the accident or the salvaged cargo owners pay the relevant costs. 5. The port administration may dispose of or sell salvaged cargo and equipment if the timeframe specified for the claim expires or the relevant salvage costs are not paid, in accordance with the rules stipulated in the Government Tenders and Procurement Law.