Operating Regulation

Ship Information and Navigation Traffic System Services 1. Objective & Scope To maintain safety of life as well as safety and efficiency of maritime navigation, organize the movement of arriving and departing Ships, and prevent pollution that they may cause, the Ports require using the following systems: Mandatory systems for reporting information about ships, their itineraries, and navigation traffic system services. The standard of these systems or the efficiency of their services should not be less than the one set forth in the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Chapter V, Rules (10), (11), and (12), as well as the relevant decisions, as amended. This shall apply to any ship sailing in Saudi Ports to ensure the exchange of information between ships and the watchtower about the movement of these ships, whether in the port or during arrival and departure, in order to ensure safe navigation and preserve safety of the environment in the port area through VTMIS system installed in maritime watchtowers, which exchanges information between ships and the port about their movement or in case of passing nearby. Mandatory systems for identifying ship information through which Shipping Agents provide data, information and notifications for ships, under their agency, via (Fasah) platform, which allows all government entities operating within the scope of Ports to know the main information, data and notifications of the arriving or departing ships. The ports exchange information between Saudi ports or GCC ports regarding ships heading to a port governed by the GCC Rules and Regulations for Seaports; and conduct prior coordination between the port administrations governed by this Regulation regarding the exchange of information to ensure maritime safety. In the event of modifications in the existing systems, services, or new constructions, the Ports, in this regard, shall abide by the provisions of IMO Resolution No. (64) MSC 43, revised by IMO Resolution No. (73) 113 MSC, and amended by IMO Resolutions Nos. (73). 111 MSC and (79) 189 MSC, and the general principles for mandatory requirements for reporting ship information included in IMO Resolution No. A.857(20), or any amendments or additions thereto. The owner, captain or agent of any ship, which intends to enter any port for a purpose other than the loading and unloading of cargo or the embarkation or disembarkation of passengers, such as making repairs, bunkering, obtaining medical aid or changing crew; or if the ship is in distress or encounters an emergency, shall comply with the provisions of this Regulation, including the submission of the necessary information about the ship or any additional information requested by the port administration.