Transport Ministry to Digitise Marine Vessel Licenses in Maldives

The Ministry of Transport in the Maldives has decided to digitise licenses issued to marine vessels, replacing the current traditional paper-based licenses consisting of a book and a laminated card.

The move towards digital licenses for sea vessels aligns with the modernisation efforts already underway for road vehicle licenses. The transition to digital licenses is set to commence in the coming three months, marking a transformative shift in how mariners’ qualifications are documented and managed.

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Hussain Nazeer, Assistant Director of the Maldives Transport Authority, shed light on the upcoming changes, stating that the entire licensing process will undergo a significant transformation through digitisation. This overhaul will encompass revisions to license categories and associated fees. 

Currently, obtaining a sea vessel license incurs a fee of MVR 25. However, transitioning to a digital license will come at a cost of MVR 250. Nazeer assured that the security measures for digital sea vessel licenses would be on par with those in place for road vehicle driving licenses.

In addition to the existing license categories, the digitisation effort will introduce a distinct category for high-speed sea vessels. Furthermore, special provisions will be made for upgrading licenses for elderly mariners.