Free rescue diving training program to be conducted for fishermen

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, at the recommendation of his cabinet, has decided to implement a rescue diving training program for fishermen at the state’s expense.

The decision was taken during Sunday’s cabinet meeting, following discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources. The aim of the program is to certify one crew member in each fishing vessel as a rescue diver.

The program, conducted at the expense of the state, will be implemented over the next five years via training centers recognized by the government.

The current administration’s first 100-day roadmap, ‘Hafutha 14’ includes providing a special training program to ensure that at least one crew member of every fishing boat is certified as a rescue diver.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday, Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim underscored that fishermen dive using oxygen tanks, adding lack of safety precautions exercised during the process has led to devastating incidents.

He attributed the cabinet’s decision to implement the program to combat such incidents.

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced President Muizzu’s vision to establish a policy that mandates one crew member in each fishing vessel to be a certified rescue diver during the official function held to mark this year’s Fishermen’s Day on December 10^th.

Decompression-related issues are observed in the Maldives during diving here and there.

Maldives has set a limit of 30-meters for recreational diving. However, fishermen are sometimes forced to dive for 40 or 50 meters to catch fishing bait, which they usually undertake on oxygen tanks allocated for 30-meter dives.

Health issues arising as a result of decompression are treated at Bandos Island Resort and ADK Hospital.