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Transport Malta issues reminder to mariners to exercise caution around divers and diving operations, stressing the importance of maintaining safe distances and reducing speed
Transport Malta has issued a reminder to mariners to exercise caution around divers and diving operations, stressing the importance of maintaining safe distances and reducing speed.
The authority said boat operators should remain vigilant at all times and use all available means to avoid the risk of collision.
Where an “A” (Alpha) flag, or other signals indicating the presence of a diver in the water, are displayed, vessels are required to keep a safe distance and proceed at a low speed.
Transport Malta also pointed to the use of surface marker buoys (SMBs), delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs) and other diving-related flags as indicators that diving operations are taking place.
A recommended distance of 100 metres should be maintained from such operations.
The authority also reminded operators that the maximum speed for small vessels is 10 knots inside ports and within certain distances of the coast.
Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, Transport Malta said.
Gozo a major diving destination
The reminder is particularly relevant around Gozo, which has a wide range of popular dive sites attracting divers throughout the year.
Nine sites are spread along Gozo’s coastline, offering a variety of underwater experiences, including the Blue Hole and Inland Sea tunnel at Dwejra, as well as four purpose-scuttled wrecks lying side by side off Għajnsielem.
Other notable sites include the Reqqa Point drift and the Xlendi wall and tunnel, giving divers a mix of reefs, walls, tunnels, wrecks and drift dives.
Gozo offers a remarkable variety of diving experiences along its coastline, with dive sites ranging from dramatic underwater walls and tunnels to wrecks and natural formations.
With boats, diving vessels and recreational craft sharing Malta and Gozo’s coastal waters, Transport Malta’s reminder underlines the importance of recognising diving markers and giving divers sufficient space to operate safely.
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Copyright © MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016, Malta, Europe
Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited.