Maldives Transport Authority (MTA) has revealed it will be nullifying the seaworthiness certificates of vessels that do not meet standards.
The authority stated it will be nullifying the seaworthiness certificates of vessels that do not have the required amount of life jackets and lifebuoys. All vessels need to complete 11 requirements before January 16, stated the authority.
The requirements include having the necessary equipment and resources on the vessels including vessel tracking devices, a vessel manifesto, life jackets, and lifebuoys. The authority also stated vessels need to have certificates for handling dangerous and flammable material, as well as certificates for oil pollution and prevention, and sewage.
Furthermore, captains, crewmen, and marine mechanics are required to have licenses approved by the transport authority. The decision to nullify seaworthiness certificates of substandard vessels was made following numerous incidents at sea reported during the recent worsened weather that had led to deaths.
The public has expressed concern over the lack of life jackets and other safety measures on some vessels.