New rules were enacted on Thursday for the operation and docking of foreign safari vessels, yachts and cruise liners in the Maldives.
Significant changes were made to the fees and periods for issuing cruising permits to foreign tourist vessels.
Foreign vessels smaller than 20 meters could travel and dock in Maldivian territory for 90 days without a permit.
After the 90-day period, if the vessel is registered with the International Maritime Organization, the cruising permit period could be extended up to 275 days for a fee of USD 50 per day.
Cruising permits for vessels larger than 20 meters will be issued upon payment of a USD 1,000 fee. The permit will be valid for 90 days after inward clearance.
A daily fee of USD 100 must be paid for the period that the vessel operates and docks in the country.
If the large vessel is registered with the International Maritime Organization, the cruising permit could be extended for one year for a fee of USD 3,500.
The fees for issuing a "charter license" were also revised under the new rules:
- Vessels smaller than 20 meters - USD 100 per day
- Vessels between 21 to 35 meters - USD 250 per day
- Vessels between 36 to 45 meters - USD 400 per day
- Vessels between 46 to 75 meters - USD 550 per day
- Vessels between 76 to 100 meters - USD 700 per day
- Vessels larger than 101 meters - USD 850 per day
The old "Regulations on foreign tourist vessels traveling and docking in Maldivian territory" was repealed as the new rules came into force.
The new regulations also specify fines for violations, including USD 1,000 for first offenses, USD 2,000 for second offenses and USD 6,000 for each offence after the second one.
The new regulations will apply to vessels presently traveling and docking in the Maldives after their permits expire.
