Transport Ministry Warns Against Unqualified Operation of Landing Crafts And Barges

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has raised concerns over landing crafts, barges, and tugs being operated by individuals without the required qualifications, following a recent fatal capsizing incident near the main port in Malé.

The ministry, in a Gazette notice issued on last Thursday, said several dangerous incidents had occurred due to violations of maritime regulations governing the operation of such vessels. Investigations revealed that many vessels in Maldivian waters were being operated by captains lacking formal certification.

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The warning comes after a landing craft capsized outside the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) main port on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two people. According to MPL’s internal investigation, the captain of the vessel did not hold a licence and was unable to give proper instructions during the operation. The vessel, which was carrying two excavators, lost balance and overturned while transferring equipment to a cargo ship.

The Transport Ministry reiterated that, under current regulations, only individuals holding the appropriate certificates are permitted to operate landing crafts, tugs, or barges. It urged vessel operators to ensure that captains are qualified and capable of managing vessels safely and advised closer attention to safety procedures during loading and unloading operations to prevent imbalance and capsizing.

MPL said the unloading operation had been carried out in line with standard procedures but noted that importers had not been verifying the credentials of captains and crew involved in cargo transfers. Following the incident, MPL confirmed it has strengthened its internal protocols to enforce stricter compliance with licensing and safety checks.