Article 196 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
المادة 196 من النظام البحري التجاري · الفصل الرابع: عقد النقل البحري : أولاً: أحكام عامة
The carrier must prepare and equip the ship so it is fit to sail, to make the agreed voyage and to carry the type of goods, and must prepare the cargo sections so they are fit to hold and preserve the goods.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
على الناقل إعداد السفينة وتجهيزها بما يلزم؛ لتكون صالحة للملاحة ولتنفيذ السفر المتفق عليه ولنقل نوع البضاعة التي تشحن فيها، وعليه كذلك إعداد أقسام السفينة المخصصة للشحن لتكون صالحة لوضع البضاعة فيها, وحفظها.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 196 explained in plain English
This article sets out the carrier's duty to prepare the ship before carriage. It includes:
- Preparing and equipping the ship as needed so that it is:
- fit to sail;
- fit to carry out the agreed voyage;
- fit to carry the type of goods loaded on it.
- Preparing the sections of the ship assigned for cargo so they are fit to hold the goods and preserve them.
The carrier's duty here has three dimensions: general seaworthiness, fitness for the specific voyage, and fitness for the type of goods. A ship that is fit to sail may not be fit to carry particular goods, such as goods that need refrigeration.
Preparing the holds is also part of the duty. It is not enough for the ship to sail safely; the goods must also be properly preserved in it.
It follows Article 195 on the electronic transport record and is followed by Article 197, which requires the carrier to load and unload the goods unless otherwise agreed, and to stow, preserve, carry and deliver them. Anyone whose goods were damaged because of the condition of the ship is advised to consult a lawyer specializing in maritime and commercial law.
Practical example
A vegetable exporter in Jazan contracted with a carrier to transport a shipment that needs refrigeration. The carrier must ensure the ship is fit to sail and fit for the voyage, and that its holds are equipped to carry and preserve this type of goods.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 196 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
What are the carrier's duties in preparing the ship?
To prepare and equip it so that it is fit to sail, to make the agreed voyage and to carry the type of goods, and to prepare the cargo sections so they are fit to hold and preserve the goods.
Is it enough for the ship to be fit to sail?
No. It must also be fit for the agreed voyage and for the type of goods, and its cargo sections must be fit to preserve them.
More articles on Carriage of Goods by Sea and the Bill of Lading
- Article 115
If the master must repair the ship during the voyage, the shipper may wait or take out the goods while paying full freight, with no increase in freight; if repair is not possible, the master hires a substitute ship at his own expense.
1- إذا اضطر الربان إلى إصلاح السفينة أثناء السفر، كان للمستأجر أو الشاحن الخيار بين الانتظار حتى إتمام إصلاح السفينة أو إخراج بضائعه منها، وفي هذه الحالة الأخير
- Article 121
The shipping agent is liable to shippers or consignees for loss of or damage to goods when loaded or unloaded only for the agent's own fault or the fault of those working for the agent.
لا يسأل الوكيل الملاحي من قبل الشاحنين أو المرسل إليهم عن هلاك أو تلف البضائع التي يتسلمها لشحنها في السفينة أو التي يتولى تفريغها منها لتسليمها لأصحابها إلا عن
- Article 122
The cargo agent must preserve the rights of the goods' owners against the carrier; otherwise the agent is presumed to have received the goods in the condition and quantity stated in the bill of lading, unless the contrary is proved by an official record.
يجب على وكيل الشحنة اتخاذ الإجراءات والتدابير اللازمة للمحافظة على حقوق أصحاب الشأن في البضاعة قِبَل الناقل أو متعهد النقل، وإلا افترض أنّ الوكيل تسلم البضاعة ف
- Article 124
The provisions limiting the carrier's liability set out in the Law apply to the transport contractor.
تسري على متعهد النقل أحكام تحديد المسؤولية المتعلقة بالناقل المنصوص عليها في النظام.
- Article 155
The lessor of a fully equipped ship is liable for damage to the goods the lessee places on the ship, unless he proves he fully performed his obligations and the damage did not arise from his fault or that of his subordinates.
يسأل مؤجر السفينة المجهزة عن الضرر الذي يصيب البضائع التي يضعها المستأجر في السفينة, إلا إذا أثبت أنه قام بتنفيذ التزاماته كاملة, وأن الضرر لم ينشأ عن تقصيره أو
- Article 179
A contract of carriage by sea can be proved only in writing.
لا يثبت عقد النقل البحري إلا بالكتابة.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.