Security services have expressed concern over the lack of attention to safety measures for tourists in some guesthouses and poor safety measures for sea transportation during the ongoing Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) Guesthouse Symposium.
Major Ahmed Irufan, Executive Officer of Coast Guard Ship Shaheed Ali, said that some people do not follow the regulations.
He said the boats are reluctant to call and report accidents due to failure to follow regulations, noting that accidents are usually reported by passengers.
"Recently, we have seen this. The vessel captain does not call us. The tourist calls us to report accidents. Or passengers. People are reluctant to contact us because they have violated the rules set by the Ministry of Transport," he said.
Irufan said it is important for the captain to make sure that the vessel has the seaworthiness certificate and to give a briefing before departure.
Panel discussion at the symposium. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu
Irufan also spoke about the importance of wearing life jackets when travelling by sea.
"A life jacket can save your life. If it's worn incorrectly, it's life-threatening. So it's very important to wear a life jacket no matter how good you are at swimming. It's important to brief the passengers. It takes just a few seconds for something to happen," he said.
Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Haneef said everyone should work together for prevention. Various trainings can be planned for that, he said.
"Prevention work is very important. Coordination is very important. Training teaches people ways to react when something happens," he said.
Haneef said some guesthouses have people who do not know how to conduct an evacuation, and some people do not know the emergency numbers.
"The positive thing is that everyone wants to improve this. A loss to one guesthouse is a loss to the whole industry," he said.
Panel discussion at the symposium. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu
National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives Vice President Samiu Imad said many things can be done to ensure safety.
He mentioned introducing policies against travel without life jackets, safety drills in islands, an island safety chart and badges for safe islands.
Minister of State for Tourism Dr. Abdullah Niyaz said the ministry was working to ensure safety through more rules and regulations.
All panellists emphasised that safety can only be ensured if everyone works together and expressed hope for the growth of the sector.
