Seven vessels have applied for route permits to carry tourists between Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s Island, but none has received clearance from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) due to incomplete documentation.

As a result, although the tourist travel season officially began on November 1, ship operations on the route have yet to resume.

BIWTA said the owners of seven tourist vessels had submitted applications for route permits. However, the authority cannot grant approval because the applicants have not provided all the required certificates and documents. The agency sent letters to the shipowners on Monday, asking them to submit the missing paperwork.

The letters, signed by Salma Akter, deputy director of BIWTA’s Department of Navigation Safety and Traffic Management, outlined the documents required for approval.

According to the correspondence, the owners of MV Karnaphuli Express, MV Baro Awlia and MV Teknaf applied on October 6 and 7 for route permits and schedule approval. Although these vessels have received consent from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, they cannot be authorised to operate between Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s Island without the necessary documents.

Meanwhile, the owners of MV Keari Cruise and Dine, MV Keari Sindbad, LCT Kajal and MV Bay Cruiser-1 submitted applications on October 26 and 27.

Because these vessels also lack the required paperwork, BIWTA has not been able to seek policy-level consent from the Environment Ministry. Consequently, the approval process for route permits and operating schedules remains incomplete for all seven vessels.

BIWTA has asked the shipowners to submit updated survey certificates, proof of payment of route permit fees, conservancy clearance, voyage licences and all other required documents.

Confirming the matter, Nayan Shil, deputy director of BIWTA’s Chattogram Division and Cox’s Bazar River Port, told Samakal that vessels must obtain route permits from the authority to transport tourists from Nuniachhara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar to Saint Martin’s Island.

He said several shipowners had applied but could not receive permission because they had failed to submit the necessary documents. The authority must review passenger safety and other relevant matters before issuing route permits.

Shil also recalled that a tourist vessel caught fire last year. He said this year, authorities would thoroughly check the fitness of vessels and other safety requirements before allowing them to operate to prevent similar incidents.

BIWTA officials said the sea route from Nuniachhara Ghat to Saint Martin’s Island covers approximately 200 kilometres. Vessels cannot receive route permits without valid survey certificates and other required maritime documents.

They added that these certifications are particularly important for ensuring safe voyages after vessels have remained out of service at sea for extended periods. Route permits will be arranged for operators that submit the required documents promptly.

Tourism Rules Revised Before Season Opens

According to the district administration and the Department of Environment, a decision on tourist access to Saint Martin’s was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on October 12.

A notification issued on October 25 retained the conditions from the previous year. Under those rules, tourists could visit the island and return on the same day in November, while overnight stays were permitted in December and January.

The announcement caused confusion among tourists, hotel and restaurant owners, and ship operators.

The ministry subsequently revised the decision and issued a new notification on October 27. Signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Sabrina Rahman, the revised notification allows tourists to visit and stay overnight on Saint Martin’s Island from November 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027.

It also sets a daily limit of 3,500 visitors to the island.

However, despite the opening of the tourist season, uncertainty over passenger transport remains because no vessel has yet received a route permit.

Tofayel Ahmed, former president of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, an organisation representing operators of vessels travelling to Saint Martin’s, said shipping companies were trying to submit the required documents quickly in accordance with BIWTA instructions.

He added that an informal competition had emerged among tour operators to be the first to take tourists to Saint Martin’s by ship before Friday.