Permits issued to 95 liveaboard vessels to resume operations

Tourism Ministry has granted permission for 95 liveaboard vessels that serve international tourists to resume operations.

Liveaboard vessels, along with tourism resorts, were allowed to resume operations with the reopening of Maldives’ borders for international travel on July 15. However, liveaboard vessels require a special permit from the Tourism Ministry to resume operations.

The 95 liveaboard vessels that have been issued special permits so far include vessels scheduled to resume operations in September and October.

Tourists and crew members on liveaboard vessels are not permitted to disembark in residential islands. And National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) has urged all liveaboard operators to comply with the safety guideline.

Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s guidelines state that tourists on liveaboard vessels are not permitted to visit additional resorts or residential islands.

A PCR sampling station has been established in suburban Hulhumale’ to screen tourists departing from liveaboard vessels for the new coronavirus.

NBAM has instructed liveaboard operators to share details of tourists who require PCR tests via email to [email protected] or via phone to +960 7970033.

They have been advised to ensure samples are taken well in advance so that the results are available in time for boarding.