New laws for fishermen

26 November 2010 03:40 pm

Fishing crafts will not be permitted to go out to sea without obtaining a ‘Mechanical Viability and Maintenance Certificate’ (MVMC), which will be issued when the craft is registered, a minister said.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that the decision had been made after discussions between the Minister and Navy chief Vice Admiral Tissara Smarasinghe.

Regulations are to be introduced to make it mandatory for fishermen to obtain an MVMC at the registration of their craft and check the engine to ensure the safety of the lives of the fishing crew and the craft before they leave the shores for fishing.

There are 3,500 multi day fishing craft and 17,500 mechanized one day boats in operation in Sri Lanka. (SAJ)