The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in Maldives has recently announced new regulations for the operation of local sea vessels within the country’s waters. These regulations include the imposition of a fine of USD 650 for individuals who are found to be using an invalid driving license for sea vessels.
To ensure compliance with these regulations, the transport ministry will be compiling a register of drivers of local vessels. The regulations prohibit the operation of a seagoing vessel with an expired license, and only individuals who have attained the age of 18 are eligible to apply for a license. Furthermore, tourists visiting the Maldives may be issued with a temporary license, as determined by the transport ministry, based on the license issued in their home country.
Violations of these regulations will result in the withholding of an individual’s license for a period between 48 hours to one month. Additionally, foreigners can apply for a license to operate in Maldivian waters by presenting a copy of a water sports professional category work permit, work visa, or residence permit, which states that the individual is authorized to practice water sports in the Maldives. Repeat offenders will face higher fines, and cases can be filed with the police for prosecution as per the transport ministry’s regulations.
