Regulation on Mandatory Installation of Propeller Guards and Registration of Vessels to Operate within SAMPA
The Maldivian government has enacted laws and policies that regulate the operation of all vessels within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). All vessels must be registered and equipped with propellers before they can sail within this marine protected area, and these rules will be fully enforced after the 30th of this month. These new rules are among the changes that will be included in the new SAMPA management plan which aims at enhancing the protection of marine ecosystems and enhancing the safety of tourists and marine wildlife.
Declared as a protected area more than 17 years ago, SAMPA includes reef systems that range from Rangali to Dhigurah. The South Ari region is well known for its whale sharks and ranks among the best places around the globe to interact with whale sharks and manta rays. Due to the increased tourism activities in the region, there has been concern about ensuring that vessels are safe and the environment is well protected.
As per the new rules introduced by Marine Rangers and the Maldives Police Service, vessels operating in SAMPA should adhere to the following rules:
Compulsory Registration of Vessels: The boats of all types like the dive boat, snorkeling dhoanis, and speed boats should be registered via the Environment Ministry website before entering SAMPA.
Live Location Tracking: The operators should notify Marine Rangers before entering the zone and provide their live location when they are using the protected area.
Prohibited Watercraft: It is strictly prohibited to use recreational watercrafts like jet skis or jet cars in SAMPA.
Installation of Propeller Guards Deadline and Grace Period
This month's end will be the deadline for the installation of propellers. All boats that will not have completed their installation by the end of the month will not be allowed access to SAMPA from the 30th. But those operators who will have successfully submitted their registration applications before the deadline date will be given more time to get their propeller guards installed. Operators of resorts, guesthouses, and tours in the South Ari Atoll should register themselves now in order to avoid future troubles.
