President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decides to ensure that at least one crew member on fishing boats attains the rescue diver certificate. The decision was made after the thorough examination of a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources to the Cabinet of Ministers.
The fisheries ministry proposed for the implementation of a diving training programme for fishing vessels, intending to equip at least one crew member with rescue diver skills.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim emphasised the evident occurrence of incidents in diving with oxygen tanks due to insufficient safety measures. He stated that the diver training programme is slated for a five-year implementation period and to be conducted at state-recognised training centres.
Additionally, Nazim highlighted the serious health issues and loss of lives among fishermen in the past, attributing these incidents to a lack of proper information and training. He also said that the fisheries ministry is currently working on establishing a register of individuals engaged in the fishing sector in response.