Transport Ministry flags unqualified captains on landing crafts

Landing crafts, barges, and tugs are being operated by captains who lack the qualifications to handle such vessels, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation noted in a Gazette notice issued Thursday evening.

The statement follows a fatal incident on Sunday, when a landing craft capsized outside the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) main port in Male', killing two people.

According to MPL’s internal investigation, the captain of the vessel had no license and was not capable of giving proper instructions during the operation. The vessel, which was carrying two excavators, lost balance and overturned while transferring equipment to a cargo ship.

In its notice, the Transport Ministry said many dangerous incidents have occurred due to violations of regulations governing the operation of landing crafts and tugs in Maldivian waters. The ministry confirmed that several vessels were found to be operated by captains without any formal certification.

The ministry reiterated that under current regulations for loading and unloading seagoing vessels, only individuals with the relevant certificate are permitted to captain landing crafts, tugs, or barges.

The ministry urged vessel operators to ensure that captains are qualified and capable of safely handling the vessel. It also advised greater attention to safety precautions during loading operations to prevent imbalance and capsizing.

The most recent incident occurred when the captain placed two excavators on board the landing craft, which were then transferred to a cargo ship. The vessel lost its balance and overturned, MPL said.

However, MPL stated that the unloading operation itself was carried out in accordance with standard procedures. The company noted that importers had not been verifying the qualifications of captains and crew involved in such transfers. Following the incident, MPL said it has revised its internal protocols to require stricter compliance with licensing and safety checks.