Government to roll out pearl diving scheme from Wednesday

Manama : The Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning has announced the launch of a new scheme to license pearl diving activities starting Wednesday. The scheme will be run from the Marine licensing office located in Budayia.

Applicants can obtain a pearl diving license according to local laws and regulations on payment of a fee of BD25 per individual and BD1000 per diving centre. Moreover, all previous license owners, whether expired or not, are obliged to submit an application for renewal as per the requirements of ministerial order (43/2017).

The scheme comes following the directives of the Government Executive Committee chaired by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. 

Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Abdulla Khalaf stated that the issuance of pearl diving licenses for individuals and diving centres will require applicants to attend a pearl diving workshop which will be held by the Supreme Council of Environment following initial registration. 

He highlighted the importance of the initiative to develop the local pearling industry, led by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 

The initiative will boost pearl diving by encouraging sustainable catching activities, ensuring Bahrain retains its position as an international centre for the industry which has for so long formed the backbone of the national economy. 

In doing so, the new initiative will bring significant positive impacts to the Kingdom, including the creation of new jobs for Bahrainis in the marine sector. 

The Minister has also clarified that the regulation of pearling activities is one of the main objectives of reviving this deep-rooted industry, which seeks to maintain a sustainable environment for natural pearls. Official pearl diving trips will take place from August 26.

The minister announced the establishment of the first pearling center at the port of Ras Rayah in Muharraq following his recent visit to the project site.

The Minister confirmed the implementation of Resolution No. 43 of 2017 to regulate pearling through an annual license made available to individuals and centres to practice the pearling activity in permitted areas, obtainable only from the Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs office in Budaiya.

As for diving centres, instructors, diving masters and vessel crew members are requested to obtain one year licenses from the Marine Monitoring Directorate in Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs to be able to take part in pearling trips. Ras Rayah fishing harbour in Muharraq is the designated entry and exit location for pearl diving trips. Pearl divers will have to purchase a BD5 ticket from the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority.

Diving centres must provide a list of participants to the Coast Guard Directorate before any trip and are obliged to follow safety laws and regulations. Divers are restricted to a maximum of 60 oysters per trip. 

Conditions for pearl licensing trips

 Organisers and centres must be registered with the Commercial Registration System (Sijilat) at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism

 Centres must have a diving boat licensed by the Coast Guard

 Instructors must have a (PADI MASTER) certificate or any other international equivalent certificate

 CVs for trainers should be provided with a proof that the trainers have passed a Supreme Council of Environment training course on how to preserve and sustain the marine environment 

All participants must hold an insurance certificate for diving vessels

Applicants must submit a written pledge to uphold national laws and regulations for the protection of marine resources, avoid using illegal fishing gear and pay application fees.