Malawi Marine Department Plans to Enforce Insurance for Boat Owners
The impact of this proposed legislation on the maritime industry and boat owners will become clearer once it receives approval from the Malawian Parliament.
Monkey-Bay, Mangochi - Chief Surveyor Wilson Luwani of the Department of Marine in Monkey-Bay, Mangochi, has revealed that the department currently lacks laws mandating boat and canoe owners to hold insurance policies for their vessels, writes Brenda Chunga.
However, in response to this gap, the Marine Department has proposed an Insurance Policy Bill as part of amendments to marine transport regulations.
The department is now awaiting approval from the Malawian Parliament to make it mandatory for all water vessel owners to have insurance coverage for their properties.
Chief Surveyor Luwani emphasized the responsibility of water vessel owners to secure insurance for their vessels, stating, "Though the bill is not yet tabled out in Parliament, it is the responsibility of all water vessel owners to have insurance on their properties."
He also advised travelers to ensure they board vessels with valid insurance coverage, saying, "We advise all travelers to board vessels with insurances."
Luke Mhone, a boat owner from Mangochi Monkey-Bay, welcomed this development, describing it as a moment they have been waiting for from the department.
Mhone expressed readiness among boat owners to abide by the forthcoming laws regarding insurance policies and stressed the importance of insurance coverage, saying, "We encounter a lot of accidents, but they are not widely known."
The introduction of mandatory insurance policies for water vessels aims to enhance safety standards and provide financial protection in the event of accidents or emergencies on Malawi's waterways.
The impact of this proposed legislation on the maritime industry and boat owners will become clearer once it receives approval from the Malawian Parliament.