Boatmen in Turmoil: Unlicensed Group Stepping into Regulatory Role

In the heart of Malta’s bustling Grand Harbour, a centuries-old tradition is under threat. The boatmen, who have been ferrying passengers across the harbour for generations, are up in arms. Their gripe? An unregistered group has started acting as the sector’s regulator, leaving the boatmen feeling adrift and unprotected.

An Uninvited Interloper

The uninvited interloper is the Malta Harbour Cruises Association (MHCA), a group that has recently started dictating terms to the boatmen. They’ve begun issuing permits, setting prices, and even dictating the routes these traditional boatmen can take. The boatmen, however, aren’t having it. They argue that they’ve been operating independently for centuries and see no reason to suddenly bow to an unregistered entity.

“We’ve been operating from the Valletta Waterfront for decades,” says Joe, a third-generation boatman who prefers not to give his full name. “Now, suddenly, this MHCA appears and starts telling us what to do. It’s like they’re trying to take over our livelihoods.”

MHCA: A Phantom Regulator

The MHCA, however, maintains that they’re only trying to bring order to the chaos. “The boatmen were operating without any regulation,” says a spokesperson for the MHCA, who also wished to remain anonymous. “We’re just trying to ensure that everyone operates safely and fairly.”

The problem, however, is that the MHCA isn’t officially recognized by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the government body responsible for regulating such activities. The MTA, when contacted, confirmed that they were unaware of the MHCA and had not given them any mandate to regulate the boatmen.

Boatmen Seek Clarity

The boatmen, feeling caught in the crossfire, are now seeking clarity. They’ve started a petition, circulating among their peers and customers, calling for the government to intervene. “We just want to know who’s really in charge,” says Joe. “Is it the MTA, or this MHCA? We need to know where we stand.”

The petition, which has already gathered hundreds of signatures, is set to be handed over to the Ministry of Tourism next week. The boatmen are hopeful that this will finally bring some order to the chaos and ensure that their centuries-old tradition can continue uninterrupted.

In the meantime, the boatmen continue to ferry passengers across the Grand Harbour, their traditional boats cutting through the water, a testament to Malta’s rich maritime history. But the question remains: who will ultimately regulate this industry? And will the boatmen’s voice be heard in the process?