The proposed measure introduced by Legislator Jason Nolan was passed in the first reading during the regular session of the members of Legislature on Wednesday.
Legislative Bill No. 9-35, states that all persons working in Koror State as Marine Tour Guides shall attend and successfully complete the Koror State Marine Tour Certification Program and shall pass the final examination offered for such program before acting as a Marine tour guide.
The bill further states that the Marine tour guide must be certified in First Aid and CPR by an agency with the International Red Cross.
All persons who have satisfied and completed the requirements as required by the bill,will thenbe issued a Marine Tour Guide license by the Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement.
The license is valid for a period of four years for Palauan citizens or for the duration of a valid work permit for non-citizens of Palau. The fee for the license is $25.00 payable at the Koror State Finance Office.
The measure also states that any person found to be working as a Marine Tour Guide in Koror State without valid license is subjected to pay $100 for the first conviction; $250 for the second offense and $500, for a third and subsequent offenses.
The penalty is also imposed to any business entity or person that employs a Marine Tour Guide who does not possess a valid license.
A Marine Tour Guide means a person who serves or acts as a guide, instructor, supervisor or leader of a commercial marine tour to the Rock Islands or waters of the Koror State.
After the bill was passed in the first reading, it was forwarded to the Committee on Tourism chaired by Nolan for further review before it will be approved in the second and final reading.
