The course was conducted under the guidance from certified Instructors from Maldives Marine Police Services, Yamaha and Mercury undertaking both theory practical and practical sessions totalling up to 60 hours over a period of 2 weeks starting 21 November 2015.

Funded by the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF), the Outboard Engine Repair and Maintenance Training Course was conducted in Eydhafushi from 19 November to 6 December 2016 to address the longstanding challenges faced by vessel owners and operators across Baa Atoll due to limited local expertise in outboard engine repair and maintenance.

The 21-day training programme was conducted under the guidance from certified Instructors from Maldives Marine Police Services, Yamaha and Mercury undertaking both theory practical and practical sessions totalling up to 60 hours over a period of 2 weeks starting 21 November 2015. was delivered with technical assistance from Maldives Police Services and Alia Investments Pvt Ltd, with certified instructors from Yamaha, Mercury, and Maldives Police Services providing both theoretical and practical training. The course was offered free of charge to participants and focused on the two most commonly used outboard engine brands in the Maldives, Yamaha and Mercury.

A total of 25 participants initially enrolled, with 17 participants successfully completing the course. The programme was inaugurated on 19 November 2016 in Eydhafushi, with representatives from Maldives Police Services, Alia Investments, the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office, BACF, and other public and private sector stakeholders attending the ceremony.

The training was developed in response to the growing demand for outboard engine servicing and repairs across Baa Atoll. At the time, the atoll lacked a specialised service centre, while the limited availability of trained technicians meant that vessel owners often had to transport vessels to Malé or bring technicians from outside the atoll, resulting in significant costs, delays, and inconvenience.

Through the BACF-funded initiative, participants were equipped with practical skills to undertake minor repairs, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of outboard engines, helping vessel owners access essential services locally.

The project also sought to create longer-term livelihood and employment opportunities by developing a skilled local workforce. Following the training, efforts were initiated to establish Eydhafushi as a hub for outboard engine servicing, repair, and maintenance, responding to the increasing number of outboard-powered vessels operating throughout Baa Atoll.

By investing in technical skills and local capacity, the BACF-funded project contributed to livelihood development, reduced service costs for vessel owners, improved access to essential technical services, and future economic opportunities for Eydhafushi and communities across Baa Atoll.