In December 2024, Egyptian authorities intensified enforcement of maritime regulations for Red Sea liveaboard diving vessels, leading to widespread cancellations and operational disruptions. This crackdown followed a series of maritime accidents, notably the sinking of the M/Y Sea Story on November 25, 2024, which resulted in multiple fatalities and missing persons.

The heightened scrutiny centers on crew qualification requirements that, while longstanding, have not been rigorously enforced until now. Regulations mandate that each liveaboard must have two captains—one holding a Master Mariner’s license—and two marine mechanics, one of whom must possess an advanced mechanical engineering license. Obtaining this advanced certification involves a course lasting at least 20 days, with the issuance process extending up to six weeks. The limited number of qualified personnel has led to reports of exorbitant wage demands from licensed mechanics.

The enforcement measures have caused significant operational challenges. Many vessels have been detained in ports such as Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh, unable to commence scheduled trips. Some divers have experienced delays, waiting on board for several days before departures were either permitted or ultimately canceled. In certain instances, affected divers were accommodated on day boats as an alternative.

This regulatory clampdown is a direct response to safety concerns following recent incidents. The M/Y Sea Story disaster, which resulted in the loss of four lives and seven individuals still missing, has been particularly influential. Additionally, other incidents, such as the sinking of the M/V Nouran at Daedalus Reef and the fire aboard the M/V Hurricane, have raised alarms about the safety standards of liveaboard operations in the region.

The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of some Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea. In light of recent accidents involving UK citizens, the MAIB has formally registered the UK as a Substantially Interested State in the Egyptian safety investigations and is preparing a safety bulletin for individuals considering diving holidays in the region.

Divers planning trips to the Red Sea are advised to consult with their tour operators to confirm the status of their bookings and to stay informed about the evolving regulatory environment. While these measures aim to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies, they have introduced short-term disruptions to diving activities in this globally renowned destination.