Vessels to be required to have sea worthiness and insurance

In an effort to increase the safety and security at sea, the Government has decided to bring changes to the law that would require vessels to have sea worthiness and insurance papers.

Speaking at a joint press conference by the Transport Authority and the Economic Ministry, Minister Saeed said that a number of incidents took place at sea in the recent Eid holidays on the days with bad weather.

And so to protect people and vessels from such incidents, sea worthiness certificates and insurance would be announced for sea transportation very soon.

“Very soon we will announce to make all the sea transportation vessels in the Maldives to have insurance. We will give a time period for that. And with it, sea worthiness or certifying vessels for sea transportation is the second change we’ll make. Acquiring sea worthiness will be introduced as compulsory.” Minister said.

Minister said that captains and crew would be required to take a course and a test before licensing.

“For example, if something happens, things that captains and crew must know, we will give them that information before receiving their license.” Minister Saeed.

Minister Saeed said that the decision to make the change was made after consulting the relevant institutes, the Coast Guard and the Marine Police as well.