Scuba diving liveaboards within the Egyptian Crimson Sea have been prevented from leaving port this week, apparently resulting from authorities clamping down on laws regarding {qualifications} held by members of the crew.
A report in German dive journal Taucher.web suggests {that a} sudden rule change governing crew {qualifications} has prevented many liveaboards from being granted permission to set sail.
DIVE understands that the clampdown is nationwide for all liveaboards, and never simply these departing from Marsa Alam. A supply stories that each one liveaboards from Sharm El Sheikh are anticipated to be cancelled or severely restricted for the subsequent two weeks, with affected divers being taken out on dayboats as a substitute.
The foundations governing crew {qualifications} should not new. All liveaboards working within the Crimson Sea will need to have two captains – one among whom should maintain a Grasp Mariner’s license – and two marine mechanics as a part of the crew.
In keeping with Taucher.web, nevertheless, the rule change implies that of the 2 mechanics, one should maintain a extra superior mechanical engineering license, a course which takes no less than 20 days to finish and a complete of six weeks for the certification to be issued.
There are solely a handful of mechanics in Egypt with the suitable license, and stories are surfacing that a few of those that do are actually demanding extortionate wages for his or her providers. One liveaboard operator has additionally claimed that authorities have refused to concern licenses to crew members who’ve just lately accomplished the superior coaching.
DIVE understands that some boats have since been allowed to depart from Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam, presumably after authorities tracked down the suitable paperwork, nevertheless, divers have been pressured to attend on board for a number of days whereas moored in port.
The clampdown has been made within the wake of the Sea Story catastrophe, by which 4 individuals misplaced their lives and one other seven – together with two Brits – stay lacking, though there’s little hope they could nonetheless be alive.
It additionally seems that one other sinking was prevented on Sunday 15 December, when 28 passengers and crew have been rescued after their boat suffered harm and started taking over water in sturdy winds and excessive seas. The vessel limped again into port in Marsa Alam on Monday.
Some divers have posted on social media stating that their journeys have been cancelled, with one operator apparently citing ‘opposed climate situations’, however there isn’t a indication but as to the longer-term results on pre-existing bookings.
Extra laws are apparently resulting from come into drive in January, however what occurs over the subsequent few weeks is much from clear.
DIVE has reached out to a number of completely different tour operators however, on the time of publishing, has not but acquired a reply.
Info is briefly provide, however divers planning to move out on a Crimson Sea liveaboard within the subsequent few weeks would possibly need to test in with their tour operator to test the standing of their journey.
We are going to preserve you up to date with new info as and once we obtain it.
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