The underlying law governing the handling of shipping matters in Oman is Oman Sultani Decree No. 19/2023 On the Issuance of the Maritime Law.

Under article 24 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 19/2023, the ownership of a vessel must be vested in the ship builder and may not be transferred until its testing and delivery, unless agreed otherwise by the ship builder and the ship owner. Under article 18 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 19/2023, a vessel is deemed to be movable property of special nature, subject to the provisions of Oman Sultani Decree No. 19/2023. Consequently, the provisions relating to movable property, including its transfer, will apply, subject to registration of ownership in the register held by the Maritime Authority.