Article 372 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
المادة 372 من النظام البحري التجاري · الفصل الثاني: الإرشاد البحري
The article provides that a claim arising from the pilotage operation is not heard after two years from the date the operation ended.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا تسمع الدعوى الناشئة عن عملية الإرشاد بعد مضي سنتين من تاريخ انتهاء هذه العملية.
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 372 explained in plain English
This article sets the period for hearing claims arising from the pilotage operation:
- The period: two years.
- Start of counting: from the date the pilotage operation ended.
- The effect: the claim is not heard after the period has passed.
The phrase claim arising from the pilotage operation is general, so on its face it covers claims concerning pilotage damages, claims concerning the pilot's expenses if he was compelled to travel with the ship, and other matters arising from the operation.
The article does not address grounds for suspending or interrupting the period.
Article 371 requires the pilot to help a ship in imminent danger first, and requires the ship's operator to bear the cost of the pilot's food, lodging and return if he is compelled to travel with it because of bad weather or at the master's request, with compensation where appropriate. Article 373 punishes with a fine of one hundred thousand to one million riyals flying the Kingdom's flag on an unregistered ship and concealing the ship's particulars. To calculate the period in a particular incident, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specialized in maritime cases.
Practical example
The pilotage of a ship at the port of Dammam ended on 5 Rabi al-Awwal, and it later turned out that the pilot had to travel with it and the expenses of his return were not paid. To claim these expenses, the claim must be filed within two years of 5 Rabi al-Awwal.
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 372 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
How long do I have to file a claim arising from marine pilotage?
A claim arising from the pilotage operation is not heard after two years from the date the operation ended.
When does the period start?
From the date the pilotage operation ended.
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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.