The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced significant changes aimed at improving the quality of marine vessels constructed in the Maldives.
The transport ministry stated after May 12 vessels exceeding 18m must be constructed in accordance with a design provided by an authorised naval architect. As such, the ministry must approve the submitted comprehensive drawings and additional details regarding the vessel.
The ministry has published the syllabus for the Carpenter Training Course, Boat Building and Boat Repair Inspectors Course, and Naval Architect Refresher Course on its official website to facilitate the implementation of regulations on vessel construction. Interested institutes may submit applications after meeting the specified requirements.
The ministry will also commence the registration of carpenters to ensure adherence to vessel construction regulations in the Maldives on February 12. As such, it has urged unregistered individuals to complete the required course before November 12 next year. After the date, all vessels constructed in the Maldives must be registered with the ministry and supervised by a certified carpenter who has successfully completed the training course.
In response to a recent capsizing of a fishing vessel, the ministry highlighted a rising trend in such incidents. Concerns have been raised regarding the absence of specific regulations in vessel construction, with some attributing the accidents to the lack of established guidelines.