Article 236 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
المادة 236 من النظام البحري التجاري · الفصل الرابع: عقد النقل البحري : أولاً: أحكام عامة
The carrier must hold insurance or a guarantee from a recognized body covering its liability for death and bodily injury, and the injured party may claim directly against the insurer or guarantor.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يجب أن يكون لدى الناقل تأمين أو ضمان من جهة معترف بها، لتغطية مسؤوليته عن الوفاة والإصابات البدنية. وفي هذه الحالة يجوز للمتضرر الرجوع المباشر على المؤمن أو الضامن.
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 236 explained in plain English
This article imposes compulsory insurance on the liability of the passenger carrier.
First: the obligation. The carrier must hold insurance or a guarantee:
- from a recognized body.
- covering its liability for death and bodily injury.
Second: direct recourse. The injured party may claim directly against the insurer or guarantor. The injured party or the heirs need not wait for the carrier or go through it, but may claim from the insurance company or guarantor directly.
The importance of this provision lies in ensuring there is a party able to pay, even if the carrier is unable to pay or evades payment.
The article does not set a minimum insurance amount, nor which bodies are regarded as recognized.
This relates to the carrier's liability for death and injury: Article 235, which precedes it, prevents the carrier from relying on limitation of liability if the harm resulted from intent, or negligence with awareness of the likelihood of harm. It is followed by Article 237, which makes void agreements made before the accident that exempt the carrier from liability or assign to it the passenger's insurance rights. An injured party is advised to consult a lawyer specialized in maritime law and insurance.
Practical example
A passenger was injured in an accident on a ferry, and the carrier delayed paying compensation. The passenger may claim directly against the insurance company that covers the carrier's liability for bodily injury.
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 236 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
Must a passenger carrier hold insurance?
Yes, it must hold insurance or a guarantee from a recognized body to cover its liability for death and bodily injury.
Can I claim from the insurance company directly?
Yes, the injured party may claim directly against the insurer or guarantor.
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إذا توفي الراكب أو قام مانع يحول دون سفره فسخ العقد واسترجعت الأجرة كاملة, بشرط أن يبلغ الراكب أو ورثته الناقل بذلك قبل الميعاد المعين للسفر بوقت مناسب وفق ما ت
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.