MNDF urges caution in maritime travel due to deteriorating weather conditions
12 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 07:44The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged travelers to exercise extreme caution due to deteriorating weather and rough seas, advising passengers to ensure all safety equipment and life jackets are in place and to refrain from travel during yellow or orange weather alerts. Authorities further cautioned vessel operators against overloading cargo and advised the public to remain vigilant when engaging in water sports and maritime activities.
A Coast Guard vessel at sea. | MNDF
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to safety protocols as weather conditions deteriorate and seas become increasingly rough across the archipelago.
The Maldives National Meteorological Service (Met Office) has forecasted exceptionally rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rainfall across various regions of the country. In response, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has issued vital safety guidelines to ensure the security and protection of all maritime travelers.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged the public to check the latest weather updates before embarking on essential travel and to share trip details with the relevant authorities. Specifically, mariners are advised not to venture out to sea during periods when yellow or orange weather alerts have been issued. Furthermore, authorities have appealed to all passengers to wear life jackets and instructed vessel operators to ensure that communication equipment, bilge pumps, and other essential safety systems are in proper working order before departure.
The MNDF has also reminded cargo vessels to adhere to designated loading limits and to ensure all goods are securely fastened to prevent them from being swept overboard by strong winds and rough seas.
At the same time, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has advised tourism operators involved in water sports and diving activities to remain highly vigilant regarding weather changes. They further urged operators to refrain from conducting any such activities without ensuring that all necessary safety measures are fully in place.
