Fuvahmulah divers' worries grow with new schedule on top of hefty fees

Divers in the popular diving destination of Fuvahmulah have expressed concerns over a new requirement proposed by the city council to introduce a diving schedule.

The city council posted on its official Facebook page on Sunday:

Fuvahmulah Divers Association member Ahmed Ali told Atoll Times on Monday that the schedule, which will limit the timing of dives, along with the recent introduction of hefty fees were made without any consultation with the dive community.

Ahmed said he did not get any answer from the council when he asked them what factors were considered in introducing the schedule. Divers are calling for the rule to be repealed altogether, he said.

"Divers will not obey this rule," he said.

Divers from Fuvahmulah protested at the city council office on Sunday against the council's decision to charge a fee for diving.

Fuvahmulah Divers Association Vice President Zafar Ali said the council had told divers that it was considering charging a fee before gazetting the rules.

However, no meeting was held after that and the rules were just gazetted, he said.

Under new regulations gazetted by the council earlier this month, payment of the fee grants 15 days for diving. 

Locals, work permit and student visa holders: 

Foreigners: