New ‘Safety at Sea’ Measures 25 th June 2008. Background Information 16,000 small craft 2,000...

New ‘Safety at New ‘Safety at Sea’ MeasuresSea’ Measures

2525thth June 2008 June 2008

Background Information

16,000 small craft2,000 yachts38 water sports operators27 reserved zones in Malta, Gozo & Comino300 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 Safety at Sea Measures Measures

taken by the Malta taken by the Malta Maritime Authority Maritime Authority for Summer 2008for 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 ownersSafety Campaign on MediaInformation boards in Beaches

Law Enforcement Law Enforcement aspect of Safety at aspect of Safety at

Sea Campaign Sea Campaign taken by the Police taken by the Police

for Summer 2008for Summer 2008

Enforcement of Regulations by Police

Daily sea patrolsPatrol craft deployed in north/central/southJune to SeptemberFreephone 119 to report infringementsBeach patrols

Summary of Main Points

Sea craft are prohibited from entering Swimmers’ Zones Launching Lanes: no obstructions to entry/exitMoorings in Swimmers’ Zones: to be removed10 knot speed markers to be introducedGuide for Safe Coastal Navigation to be mailed to small craft & yacht owners Maritime patrols by police to ensure strict conformance to regulationsMedia CampaignNew, stiff, penalties to be introducedPublic urged to report infringements on Freephone 119

Thank you