Legislative Decree No. 23 of 1982 issuing the Sea Law.

The purpose of this Law is to regulate the navigation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This Law is composed of 5 Sections divided into 296 articles. Section I deals with matters related to ships and in particular with: (a) real rights on ships; (b) common property; (c) rights of privilege; (d) sea pawn; (e) precautionary and executive seizure of ships; and (f) State’s ships. Section II provides for the following: (a) ship owners and providers; (b) captains and crew; (c) the regulation of sea operations; and (d) general provisions. Section III provides for the following matters: (a) investment and exploitation of ships; (b) rent of equipped and unequipped ships; (c) sea transportation contracts; (d) transportation of persons; and (e) guidance and towing. Section IV refers to the following: (a) sea accidents and collisions; (b) help and salvaging; and (c) general sea losses. Section V relates to sea insurance including contracts, liability, settlement and compensations.