The Ministry of Interior has set a uniform fee of five dinars for the first-time issuance of licenses for marine crafts and jet skis of all sizes. This rate forms the core of Decision No. 1089 of 2026, which was published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum on August 2, 2026. Article One of the decision specifies the charge while the ministry has assigned its undersecretary with implementation responsibilities across relevant departments.
Replacement fees for lost or damaged licenses vary by vessel length according to the ministry’s decision. Crafts longer than 40 feet face a charge of 25 dinars. Those measuring between 16 and 40 feet incur 20 dinars while vessels under 16 feet are set at 15 dinars.
Fees for changing the activity or nature of a boat follow the same length-based structure under the new rules from the ministry. Vessels exceeding 40 feet will pay 70 dinars for such modifications. The rate drops to 60 dinars for the 16-to-40-foot category and 50 dinars for those below 16 feet.
The decision takes immediate effect upon its publication in the official gazette. The undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior holds responsibility for executing its provisions without exception. This framework updates previous administrative procedures for maritime licensing in the country.
The fee adjustments arrive amid a broader overhaul of Kuwait’s maritime regulations. Decree Law No. 61 of 2026 on maritime installations and floating units established a 44-article framework for vessels up to 150 tons including jet skis and traditional boats according to KUNA. That law which was also published in Kuwait Alyoum aims to modernize oversight of recreational and commercial watercraft operating in territorial waters.
Maritime safety campaigns have intensified in tandem with the regulatory updates. Authorities issued 431 fines and impounded 41 jet skis during one recent enforcement operation as Times Kuwait reported. These actions highlight continued emphasis on compliance with licensing requirements for marine enthusiasts and operators.
Earlier rules from 2013 had already laid groundwork for boat and jet ski usage across Kuwait. Those regulations required operators to be at least 18 years old to wear safety gear and to follow designated navigation standards a KUNA dispatch from the period noted. The latest decision extends that foundation by updating the associated costs for licensing and modifications.
