National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) has revealed 109 liveaboards have been permitted to resume services for tourists.
Resorts and liveaboards have been allowed to resume services in the Maldives following the reopening of borders on July 15. However, liveaboards require a special permission from the tourism ministry before resuming operations in order to ensure the vessels meet the safety standards set following the COVID-19 pandemic. NBAM said 109 liveaboards have been granted permission to operate its services to tourists.
Ministry of Tourism stated permission is given to liveaboards after referring to the declaration form, operating license, taxi clearance form of Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) and the safety plan set by the liveaboard. NBAM has advised liveaboard operators to attain the permits before preparing to resume operations as there could be delays in the procedures that need to completed before requesting for permits. NBAM also urged liveaboard operators not to resume services without attaining permits.
Maldives Immigration revealed 16,405 tourists have visited the Maldives since reopening borders on July 15.