EPA Opens Portal for Marine Vessel Registration for SAMPA

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has opened applications for marine vessels operating in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) today.

EPA made this announcement shortly after the Ministry of Tourism and Environment published the Management Plan for SAMPA. The plan states in its Article 12 that only vessels used for snorkelling and diving can enter this area, and only if they are registered with EPA.

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The management plan goes into effect three months from today. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened for registration of vessels operating within South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Vessel operators can use the OneGov portal form provided by EPA to register their vessels. https://t.co/hiFkOA5hu6 pic.twitter.com/3zzD7Q1rU1— Ministry of Tourism and Environment (@MoTmv) February 5, 2025

How to Register

Marine vessel owners can apply for registration using the EPA’s portal and the SAMPA Vessel Registration Service. The applicant will need their Efaas account to apply for registration. 

According to the EPA, the SAMPA Vessel Registration Certificate will only be issued to the vessel owner. The vessel owner can be an individual, a company, or another organization. It is the vessel owner who will have to take responsibility in case any action is taken for non-compliance.

Documents required 

• National ID card (if applicable, when there is a focal point present)
• Vessel Registration Certificate
• Maritime License
• Seaworthiness Certificate
• Passenger Certificate
• Letter of Authorization (If applying on behalf of a government entity)

Other Mandates for Marine Vessels

The Management Plan for SAMPA states the standard operating procedures of the vessels operating within SAMPA. They include:

• Propeller guards to be fitted on vessels operating in the area within three months 
• Registered vessels must inform the rangers before entering the protected area and disclose their live location as indicated by the ministry
• Vessels must operate within a speed limit of 10 knots per hour (18.5 km per hour)

Protections for Whale Sharks 

• The speed limit should be maintained under 5 knots per hour (9.3 km per hour) within a 250-meter contact zone of whale sharks in the protected area
• Marine vessels must operate within 2 knots per hour (3.7 km per hour) if they are within a 50-meter contact zone of whale sharks in the area
• Marine vessels have to maintain a 15-meter boundary between whale sharks in SAMPA. Vessel gear has to be turned to neutral if whale sharks are that close to a vessel, or heading towards the vessel.
• Tourist activity in SAMPA should not hinder whale sharks at the location

The Management Plan for SAMPA states that research, rehabilitation, or restoration work conducted in the area also requires permits. 

EPA has the authority to suspect a marine vessel’s registration for up to a year or suspend it entirely if they are non-compliant with registration mandates.