Objectives

The Maritime Transport Sector supervises all maritime transportation activities in Qatar through three key pillars:

Enforcing the provisions of the legislations and regulations governing Maritime Transport Affairs;
Developing the general planning policy for maritime transport processes;
Conducting necessary studies to plan the construction and development of maritime transport networks in coordination with the relevant authorities;
Conducting necessary studies to determine licensing requirements;
Identifying maritime transport service fees;
Setting the rules and taking the decisions governing maritime transport services;
Receiving, reviewing and approving license applications submitted by maritime transport service providers;
Checking the means of maritime transport for compliance with set specifications, in cooperation with relevant authorities;
Approving sailors' licenses;
Issuing and renewing certificates of competency and marine licenses and documents for workers on board of Qatari vessels;
Approving and renewing certificates of non-Qatari shipmasters, deck officers on board, engineers, and communication officers;
Issuing licenses for foreign vessels operating within Qatari waters; and
Registering wooden and heritage vessels in coordination with the concerned authorities.

Registering vessels under international marine transport agreements, issuing certificates thereof, and supervising adherence to domestic and international laws and regulations;
Collecting, classifying and analyzing data and records of certificates and vessels registered under the Qatari flag;
Proposing laws and requirements of marine eligibility certificates;
Supervising work conditions on board of vessels according to applicable laws, in coordination with the competent authorities;
Inspecting and checking national and foreign vessels, in coordination with the competent authorities;
Detaining violating and hazardous vessels;
Proposing necessary measures for the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, and providing consultancy for implementation;
Participating in investigations into marine accidents of civilian and commercial vessels that occur within Qatari waters, and accidents of Qatari vessels abroad;
Proposing laws, regulations and decisions regarding maritime transport activities, in coordination with the Legal Affairs;
Verifying the commitment of national companies operating in maritime transport to local legislations and international maritime conventions; and
Conducting necessary studies for the development of the national fleet to enhance its competitiveness.

Conducting necessary studies for the development of maritime safety standards, and proposing safety rules and requirements related to vessels;
Setting and developing technical performance standards of maritime transport activities;
Overseeing the general performance of licensed maritime agencies and companies;
Ensuring compliance with general quality standards, requirements and controls of service performance; and
Examining all types of maritime transportations to ensure their safety.

The Maritime Transport Sector offers a wide range of services for companies and individuals. To make the most of our services, click here.