site.btaTransport Minister Orders Stricter Control over Water Attractions during Summer Season

Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev has ordered stricter oversight of water attractions during the summer season, the primary priority remaining the safety of tourists using facilities along the Black Sea coast. The order was discussed Wednesday at a meeting with the leadership of the Maritime Administration Executive Agency and representatives of the Civil Aviation Administration General Directorate. Also attending were Deputy Ministers Anna Natova and Hristina Velinova, the Transport Ministry reported.

“Ensuring the safety of amusement rides during the summer season is our top priority, and therefore oversight will be strengthened,” Minister Peev said.

The meeting emphasized the need for clearly defined guidelines on the implementation of the regulatory framework, as the new General Safety Requirements for the Provision of Amusement Services Act has already entered into force, while the regulations implementing it are still being drafted by various institutions. The deadline for adopting the regulations is six months.

The Ministry noted that during the inspections of water attractions beginning in June, strict monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance with safety rules, the technical soundness of the facilities, and the responsible conduct of operators. The inspections will cover all high-risk attractions where improper operation could lead to accidents.

The inspections will also cover compliance with designated water traffic lanes, distances from beach areas and public zones, as well as the proper marking and use of areas designated for water-based recreational activities.

The Maritime Administration Executive Agency will conduct regular and unannounced inspections with an expanded scope throughout the summer season, and information regarding identified violations and the measures taken will be disclosed periodically.

In late 2025, the Ministry of Transport and Communications published a bill on general safety requirements for the provision of amusement services posing a heightened risk, which contains clear rules for the registration and oversight of amusement service providers. The bill was drafted following a series of accidents involving amusement rides.