Kuwait allows leisure and recreational fishing boats to sail during daytime from Sunday
Kuwait permits leisure and recreational fishing boats to sail daily from 05:00 to 19:00 starting Sunday, May 10, 2026, under strict safety and registration rules.
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has authorised leisure and recreational fishing boats to resume daytime navigation between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., effective Sunday, May 10, 2026. The move, announced by the General Directorate of the Coast Guard, aims to strike a balance between reopening access for boaters and maintaining maritime security. The decision responds to an assessment of current conditions and sets clear operational limits for sea users across Kuwaiti waters.
Daytime sailing allowed from Sunday, May 10, 2026
The Coast Guard’s measure permits private pleasure craft and hobby fishing boats to operate only during the specified daytime hours to reduce risks associated with night navigation. Authorities said the timing was chosen to increase visibility and simplify monitoring, thereby lowering the likelihood of accidents or unauthorized incursions. The timeframe will be reviewed based on ongoing sea conditions and security considerations.
Coast Guard cites balance between recreation and safety
Brigadier Naval Staff Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al‑Sabah, Director General of the Coast Guard, told state media that the decision followed a careful evaluation of the maritime environment. He said the policy seeks to give sea enthusiasts room to resume activities while preserving the safety of navigation and the protection of critical infrastructure. The statement emphasised that the change is conditional and tied to continued adherence to regulations by boat operators.
Restricted zones and mandatory AIS operation
Authorities underscored that boats must remain within officially approved zones shown on the certified navigation map and must not approach oil facilities or other sensitive sites. Operators are required to keep automatic identification systems (AIS) switched on for the entire period they are at sea, enabling real‑time tracking and faster Coast Guard response if needed. The AIS requirement is positioned as a key tool to enhance situational awareness and coordinate interventions in emergencies.
QR registration through Sahl app for access to Gulf of Kuwait
Boaters intending to enter the Gulf of Kuwait area must obtain a QR authorization from the Environment Public Authority via the Sahl mobile application before setting out. The QR code functions as an entry permit and helps authorities confirm vessel intent, location and compliance with environmental rules. Officials urged users to complete registration in advance to avoid delays or refusals at sea.
24/7 monitoring and stepped‑up enforcement by coastguard units
The Coast Guard said it will continue round‑the‑clock monitoring of maritime activity, combining AIS data, patrols and coastal surveillance to enforce the new measures. Personnel will be ready to carry out inspections, assist vessels in distress and act against violations that threaten public safety or national infrastructure. The emphasis on continuous monitoring reflects a precautionary approach designed to detect and deter risky behaviour quickly.
Public cooperation and penalties for non‑compliance
Officials called on leisure boaters and fishermen to cooperate fully with instructions and to prioritise safety procedures, including lifejackets, emergency signalling equipment and adherence to designated routes. Failure to comply with the rules, including venturing into prohibited zones or disabling AIS, may result in fines, suspension of navigation privileges or other administrative actions. The Coast Guard stressed that community compliance is crucial to keeping maritime recreation safe for all.
The reinstatement of daytime sailing for leisure and recreational fishing boats marks a cautious reopening of Kuwaiti waters for private sea users, anchored by registration, zoning and technical safeguards intended to protect both people and critical coastal assets.