Unqualified Red Sea Liveaboard Crews

We reported that the Egyptian authorities had begun to enforce an existing rule that every Red Sea liveaboard needs to sail with two captains, a master mariner, and two suitably qualified engineers. Those vessels not compliant are banned from leaving port (Undercurrent January).

Of the 1200 personnel employed on roughly 200 liveaboards, only 88 have the necessary engineer qualification. This shortage of suitably qualified engineers has enabled the few qualified to demand extortionate payment for their services. Operators have appealed for a grace period before regulatory enforcement to allow unqualified engineers enough time to complete a 20-day certification course.

If you are still considering a Red Sea trip, ask your travel agency or boat for the crew's credentials before you commit.