Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Aishath Nahula has said that wearing life jackets need to be made compulsory when traveling by sea and discussions are underway with the relevant authorities regarding the matter.

In an interview with One Online, Minister Nahula said that making life jackets compliant compulsory is something very important in a country like the Maldives. However, before making the change, there are decisions to be made at a policy level.

She said that it has to be considered whether wearing life jackets are the most practical or convenient for, for example, fishermen who are works at sea.

The Transport Minister said that she believes it is important to make wearing life jackets compulsory on transport vessels especially when carrying women and children. And while hundreds of people travel by sea all over the country everyday due to formation of the islands, categories are needed to be set before making life jackets compulsory.

Minister Nahula said that there is no doubt it is more important than wearing helmets on land, especially when traveling in turbulent weather.

And after the discussions at the policy level, a decision will be made and regulations will be set very soon after.

While the topic of life jackets arises with incidents at sea, it is important to note that speed boats carrying tourists already implemented it as a general rule.

The most recent discussion on life jackets began after five six people, five from the same family, lost their lives after a launch capsized while traveling from Haa Alifu Atoll Nolhivaramfaru to Hanimaadhoo. Many speculates that had they been wearing life jackets before the journey began, a lot of them would have survived.