Saturday 04 / July / 2026
The Maritime Law of Oman issued under Royal Decree 19/2023, establishes a clear and mandatory legal framework for the registration of ships seeking to operate under the Omani flag.
Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Chairman of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm said that, “no ship is permitted to hoist the Omani flag unless it is duly registered in the official register maintained by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs or an authorized entity.”
“Shipowners or their legal representatives must submit a registration application within 30 days of the ship’s construction or acquisition within the Sultanate of Oman, or from the date of receipt if the building or acquisition was done abroad, accompanied by the required documents. For the registration of used ships, the law requires that the ship’s age does not exceed 20 years, and that its technical specifications are approved by recognized bodies for maritime classification and supervision over ships,” he explained.
“Temporary registration may be granted by the maritime authority for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days and may be renewed for a period specified by the maritime authority, subject to meeting the prescribed requirements and payment of the prescribed fees; however, it is not permitted to use the ship for any purpose during the temporary registration period except after obtaining the navigational license,” he said.
He further stated that “each Omani ship must bear a name approved by the maritime authority and display its name and port of registration in Arabic or English. Any changes to registered details must be reported within 10 working days. Ships may be temporarily or permanently removed from the register for reasons such as piracy, ownership disputes, maintenance, accidents, or loss of Omani nationality.
The maritime authority may also deregister vessels that violate registration conditions, applicable laws, decisions and instructions, or where a higher national interest requires it.”
He concluded by stating that registration confers Omani nationality and is essential for operating within Oman’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. It is a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining navigational licenses- which are required before the ship may be used for any purpose and enjoying the legal protections under Omani maritime jurisdiction.
(Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established on 14th December 2006 and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more)
