New ‘Safety at Sea’ Measures 25 th June 2008

Background Information 16,000 small craft 2,000 yachts 38 water sports operators 27 reserved zones in Malta, Gozo & Comino 300 commercial passenger vessels

Issues : Congestion in bays Lack of awareness of safety regulations Non-observance of regulations Measures: Better organization to segregate different users Education & Training Enforcement Issues and Measures

Safety at Sea Measures taken by the Malta Maritime Authority for Summer 2008

Congestion in Bays - Issues Issues : Seacraft in bays near swimmers Moorings in swimmers’ zones Watersports operations near swimmers’ zones Measures: Clear demarcation of swimmers’ zones Moorings to be removed Introduce ‘launching lanes’

Better Organisation of Bays

Changes to Regulations Amendments to regulations to introduce minimum fines for offences 10 Knot Speed Markers

Awareness Campaign Training of Enforcement Officers ‘Guide for Safe Coastal Navigation’ to be mailed to small craft & yacht owners Safety Campaign on Media Information boards in Beaches

Law Enforcement aspect of Safety at Sea Campaign taken by the Police for Summer 2008

Enforcement of Regulations by Police Daily sea patrols Patrol craft deployed in north/central/south June to September Freephone 119 to report infringements Beach patrols

Summary of Main Points Sea craft are prohibited from entering Swimmers’ Zones Launching Lanes: no obstructions to entry/exit Moorings in Swimmers’ Zones: to be removed 10 knot speed markers to be introduced Guide for Safe Coastal Navigation to be mailed to small craft & yacht owners Maritime patrols by police to ensure strict conformance to regulations Media Campaign New, stiff, penalties to be introduced Public urged to report infringements on Freephone 119

Thank you