Date of Award
1997
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Maritime Safety Administration
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Maldives
First Advisor
Karstensen, Svend
Abstract
A very small nation and limited in resources, Maldives has a number of its own vessels engaged in foreign trade under its national registry. Apart from this, its dependence on the sea for sustenance, and a large sea area under its jurisdiction compels the nation to have an effective maritime administration. However, the lack of financial adequacy and shortage of qualified people in the maritime sector presents a general weakness in the functional performance of the Administration. The dissertation is an attempt to propose possible suggestions to improve the Maritime Administration of Maldives. In pursuing this objective, it has analysed the present status of the Maritime Administration of Maldives against the prevailing international standards and the various national and international obligations. The numerous responsibilities arising out of the STCW Convention and the ISM Code are also highlighted. Basic criteria, such as the importance of a maritime policy, maritime legislation and necessary considerations when ratifying and implementing an international convention, are presented. An identified number of regulatory functions of a Maritime Administration are also discussed in relation with the Administration of Maldives, with emphasis on maritime education and training in Maldives. Finally, a conclusion has been drawn summarising the various issues facing the Administration and giving suggestions to improve the existing Maritime Administration of Maldives.