President Solih Meets With NBAM Executive Committee Members

Yesterday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih held discussions with the executive committee and senior officials of the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM). Both parties exchanged dialogues about the development and management of the boating industry of the Maldives at a meeting held at the President’s Office.

The representatives of NBAM shared with the President their concerns and drawbacks in the Boating sector including the lack of a designated harbour for mooring large vessels. They also expressed the need to establish an internationally recognized crew development programme in the Maldives to build human capital necessary for the industry to thrive.

In addition to this, the members also highlighted the financial and legal barriers hindering the Boating industry such as the difficulties posed in collateralizing sea vessels for loans and legislative obstacles that impede the operations of International cruise lines in the Maldives. Moreover, the committee brought into the attention of the President, the need to implement a national resource management plan to make resources more accessible and raised concerns about the lack of office space as well.

After listening intently to the members, the President stated that the lagoon adjacent to “Dhiyanaru” in Kaafu Atoll has been booked for docking purposes and land reclamation works will commence this November. In order to resolve the other pressing concerns, President Solih assured the members that the administration will take counsel from relevant ministries and stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions to the issues raised.

Formerly known as the Liveaboard Association of Maldives, the NBAM was founded in 2007 with the aim of uniting all stakeholders under one roof. In doing so, the association strives to jointly promote and advocate on behalf of the Boating industry while conducting sustainable and safety practices in the sector.