Mandatory propeller guards and registration for vessels entering South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA)

The Maldivian government is implementing strict new regulations for vessels operating in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the largest protected marine area in the Maldives. Effective after the 30th of this month, boats will be prohibited from entering SAMPA without official registration and installed propeller guards.

The sweeping regulatory changes follow a comprehensive management plan released by the Environment Ministry last year, aimed at preserving the area’s delicate ecosystem and preventing further tragic accidents involving tourists and marine life.

Protecting a Premier Marine Hub

Designated as a protected zone 17 years ago, SAMPA spans the expansive reef systems from Rangali to Dhigurah. It boasts the country’s largest population of whale sharks, making it a globally renowned hotspot for diving and snorkeling with both whale sharks and manta rays.

However, the area’s popularity has come at a cost. Inadequate regulations and non-compliance in the past have led to a series of tragic, fatal accidents in these busy waters. To combat this, the government is tightening operational rules to ensure the safety of both marine wildlife and the large numbers of tourists visiting the site.

Key New Regulations

To manage the heavy marine traffic and sustain the SAMPA ecosystem, the following rules are now heavily enforced by Marine Rangers and the Maldives Police Service:

• Mandatory Registration: All vessels—including dive boats, snorkeling dhoanis, and speedboats—must register through the relevant Environment Ministry portal prior to entering the protected area.

• Propeller Guards: It is now compulsory for all vessels entering SAMPA to have propeller guards installed to prevent fatal injuries to marine life and swimmers.

• Registration Flags: Upon successful registration, vessels will be issued an official flag. This flag must be prominently hoisted on the boat whenever entering and operating within SAMPA.

• Live Location & Ranger Notification: Vessel operators are legally required to inform the Marine Rangers in charge before crossing into the SAMPA zone. Furthermore, operators must share their “live location” for tracking purposes while active in the area.

• Total Ban on Watercraft: Under the new management plan, recreational watercraft such as jet skis and jet cars are strictly banned from the area entirely.

Grace Period for Compliance

The strict deadline for the installation of propeller guards expires at the end of this month. After the 30th, any unregistered vehicle or vessel lacking a propeller guard will be denied entry.

However, the Environment Ministry has offered a concession for proactive operators: vessels that apply for registration within the current deadline will be granted an extended grace period to complete the physical installation of their propeller guards.

Tour operators, resorts, and guesthouses utilizing the South Ari Atoll are urged to complete their portal registrations immediately to avoid operational disruptions and help foster a safer, more sustainable environment in the Maldives’ most celebrated marine park.