Is That Egyptian Liveaboard Safe?

With so many liveaboard disasters in recent years, it's hard for divers to choose a safe liveaboard. But they have every right to know that the one they select is fit and safe, especially in Egypt's Red Sea. To that end, Maritime Safety International (MSI), set up by Mark Uberti, an Australian marine surveyor, has developed a liveaboard safety score system, voluntarily subscribed to by vessel operators, that can guide you. For now, MSI surveyors are based in Spain, Britain, and Australia.

The survey inspection gathers facts to provide a professional opinion of the vessel's structure, systems, cosmetics, levels of compliance with currently applicable mandatory and voluntary standards, and best or common practices.

Uberti first became aware of the problematic Egyptian dive liveaboard fleet after investigating an incident in Saudi Arabia, and believed there was a need for MSI services in Egypt. Initial results were bleak. MSI marine surveyors conducted initial inspections of 14 Egyptian liveaboards in January 2023 and January 2024. They were to determine whether they were safe and fit for a charter of up to three months.

Uberti told Undercurrent that some of those vessels did not warrant more than 5 to 10 minutes of survey time to confirm they were not fit.

MSI concluded that the survey results on all Egyptian vessels were very similar. All of the vessels presented interiors, cabins, and sleeping berths that were in good to very good condition, as this is the selling point for the charter operator. Many of the deficiencies were not expensive to repair or replace, but in most cases, the operator and crew did not know whether their vessel complied with safety and present-day international standards.

The Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety (EAMS) has oversight responsibility for the technical standards, compliance, and registration of Egyptian liveaboards; vessels with more than 10-ton capacity and that go beyond the regional waters must be registered. EAMS issues Registration Certificates and revalidates sea-worthiness certificates and the navigational permissions required.

However, Uberti of MSI says these EAMS regulations appear to be poorly enforced, and that it is no surprise that the liveaboards do not meet minimum standards if they are not obligated to. It's still early, but they are uncertain about whether Egyptian boat owners will fully embrace formal yet voluntary safety certification. But some progress has been made. Several Egyptian vessels have undergone additional surveys and achieved safety ratings of three stars or higher (up to five), among them several boats from the Tornado fleet.

If the momentum continues, safety accreditation could become more than a badge of compliance -- it may prove to be a genuine commercial advantage. Operators who invest in higher standards stand not only to reassure passengers but also to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

You can see the results of MSI ratings at www.maritimesurveyinternational.com