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Bahrain

Who issues it
Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications — Ports and Maritime Affairs, Small Ships Registration Office
Minimum age
18 years
Buoyage
IALA region A

Do you need a licence?

Bahrain-registered recreational boats under 150 GT need a skipper's driving licence in Bahraini waters. Applicants must be 18+. Yachts from 36 ft need approved training. Jet skis are exempt from this licence; drivers under 16 need their parent or guardian onboard.

  1. إجازة قيادة سفن النزهة — أقل من 36 قدم · Recreational boat driving licence — under 36 feet

    From 18
    What it lets you do
    Skipper recreational boats under 36 ft and under 150 GT in Bahraini waters.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  2. إجازة قيادة سفن النزهة — أكثر من 36 قدم · Recreational boat driving licence — over 36 feet

    From 18
    What it lets you do
    Skipper recreational yachts over 36 ft and under 150 GT in Bahraini waters. Approved training is required from 36 ft inclusive.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  3. إجازة قيادة سفن النزهة — بانوش · Recreational boat driving licence — Banoush

    From 18
    What it lets you do
    The government lists a separate Banoush category for recreational boats. Its operating limits were not confirmed.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

Ready to study for it?

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Study the theory in the Academy See the Exam Pass

Official sources: Bahrain National Portal / Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications — إجازة قيادة · Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission — Decision No. 2 of 2022 amending the small-ship rules; Articles 22, 25 and 24 bis · Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission — Decision No. 5 of 2022 amending the jet-ski rules · Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission — Legislative Decree No. 15 of 2023 amending Decree No. 32 of 2020 on small ships · US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — Sailing Directions (Planning Guide), Publication 160, Bahrain: Buoyage System · Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications — التراخيص والطلبات (Licenses and Applications), Large Vessel Registration