Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, economic minister Mohamed Saeed confirmed that the decision has been made but said the regulations under which it would be implemented would be publicized soon. According to the minister, the issuing of sea worthiness will be taken away from the transport authority and privatized. The government is also looking to include the police and the defence force in the process, he said. "They [police and defence force] are the ones acting as law enforcement authorities at sea. But its difficult to confirm anything at this point," he added. Captains and crew of marine vessels will now be required to complete a training program and a subsequent exam before licenses are issued, minister continued. The existing license holders would also be required to undergo the training and exam within a time frame, he added. "The crew will be given a considerable time-frame to renew their license. We will also facilitate an easy way for them to complete the training," Saeed said. Vessels will also be required to carry additional safety equipment under the new regulations to ensure safety of passengers and cargo, minister said. But he was quick to point out that the government will give the vessels sufficient time to meet the new regulation. "For example we are not going to ask vessels to be insured from tomorrow. We will give them sufficient time to do so," he explained. The decision comes after several marine incidents across the Maldives in the past few weeks sparked public criticism over a lack of regulations on marine vessels.