The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has ordered vessels to maintain a sufficient number of crew members while moored in harbours.

In a statement released last Tuesday, the Ministry said it had received reports of vessels left unattended in harbours, leading to dangerous incidents and property damage. Some vessels anchored at sea or in harbours were found without crew on board, posing safety risks, the statement noted.

The Ministry stressed that keeping an adequate number of crew members on board is essential for vessel oversight and harbour safety.

Owners of vessels moored without crew will face a fine of MVR 1,000 under the Safety of Vessels in the Sea of Maldives Regulations, the Ministry warned.