In brief
Regulates seafarers' employment contracts: minimum age, hours of work and rest, safety on board, seafarers' rights and the shipowner's duties.
Summary of the law
Key points
- No one under 18 may be employed (Article 4).
- Work may not exceed 14 hours in 24 and 72 in 7 days, or rest must be at least 10 hours in 24 and 77 in 7 days, in no more than two periods, one at least 6 hours (Article 6).
- Anything beyond is overtime, allowed only in set exceptional circumstances.
Practical tip
- Keep the on-board record of hours of work and rest; it is your evidence for overtime claims.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- No work under 18
- Hours of work and rest
- Overtime in exceptional circumstances
- Safety on board
Timeline
- Issued: Published 10/10/1446H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .