Article 248 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
المادة 248 من النظام البحري التجاري · الفصل الرابع: عقد النقل البحري : أولاً: أحكام عامة
A claim arising from the carriage of baggage is not heard after two years from the day after the passenger leaves the ship or the day on which the passenger should have left it.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا تسمع الدعوى الناشئة عن نقل الأمتعة بعد مضي سنتين من اليوم التالي ليوم مغادرة الراكب السفينة، أو اليوم التالي لليوم الذي كان يجب أن يغادرها فيه.
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 248 explained in plain English
This article sets the period within which a claim arising from the carriage of a passenger's baggage must be brought, failing which it is not heard:
- The period: two years.
- Start of the count: from the day after the day the passenger leaves the ship, or from the day after the day on which the passenger should have left it.
The second case matters where the passenger does not actually leave the ship on the scheduled date, in which case the period starts from the day after the day on which the passenger should have left.
The article covers claims arising from the carriage of baggage generally, such as a claim for compensation for its loss or damage, whether registered or unregistered, since the text does not distinguish between them. This period is connected with Article 247, which prevents the master from detaining a passenger's unregistered baggage in satisfaction of the carriage fare, and with Article 249, which allows a claim on the contract for carriage of persons to be brought before the court of the port of departure, arrival or arrest. A person whose baggage is lost or damaged on a sea voyage should not delay in claiming, and should consult a lawyer specialized in maritime law if an assessment of the position is needed.
Practical example
Fahd left the ship at the port of Jeddah on the 10th of the month and discovered that his baggage was damaged. The two-year period starts from the next day, the 11th; if he brings the claim after the two years have passed, it is not heard.
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 248 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
How long do I have to bring a claim for baggage lost on a ship?
Two years, starting from the day after the day the passenger leaves the ship, or the day after the day on which the passenger should have left it.
What happens if I bring the claim after two years?
A claim arising from the carriage of baggage is not heard after that period has passed.
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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.