Boatmen Challenge Unregistered Group’s Regulatory Role

Imagine the bustling Grand Harbour, Malta’s maritime heart, where traditional dghajsa ferries crisscross the water, and the iconic dgħajsa tal-Fost (boat of the bride) glides towards the Mgarr Harbour on a wedding day. Now, picture a group of boatmen, their weather-beaten faces etched with worry, as they grapple with an unexpected challenge to their centuries-old tradition.

At the heart of this storm is a claim by local boatmen that an unregistered group is acting as the de facto regulator of their sector, a role traditionally held by the Malta Maritime Authority (MMA). The boatmen, who operate the historic dghajsa ferries and other traditional boats, argue that this group lacks the necessary legal standing and expertise to regulate their industry.

The group in question, known as the Kumitat tal-Boatmen (Committee of Boatmen), was formed in 2019, following a dispute over the regulation of traditional boat services. While the committee claims to represent the boatmen’s interests, its members are not elected and its formation was not sanctioned by the MMA or any other official body.

According to the boatmen, the committee has been issuing directives and imposing fines, effectively regulating the sector without any legal basis. They argue that this situation is not only unfair but also harmful to their livelihoods and the future of their traditional craft.

The MMA, responsible for regulating Malta’s maritime sector, has been caught in the crossfire. While it acknowledges the committee’s right to represent boatmen, it maintains that only the MMA has the legal authority to regulate the sector. The authority has been working on new regulations for traditional boat services, a process that has been delayed by the current impasse.

Meanwhile, the boatmen find themselves in a Catch-22 situation. They cannot operate without the MMA’s blessing, but the MMA refuses to recognize the committee’s regulatory claims. “We’re stuck in limbo,” says Joseph, a third-generation boatman who asked not to reveal his last name. “We just want to do our job, but we can’t while this mess is sorted out.”

Adding to the complexity is the fact that the traditional boat services sector is not just an economic activity but also a cultural one. The dghajsa ferries are a symbol of Malta’s maritime heritage, and their continued operation is seen as crucial to preserving this heritage.

The boatmen have taken their grievance to the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA), which is currently investigating the matter. The MCCAA’s intervention could provide a much-needed breakthrough, helping to untangle the regulatory knots and restore order to the sector.

In the meantime, the boatmen are calling for dialogue and understanding. “We’re not against regulation,” says Joseph. “We just want it to be fair, transparent, and based on the law. We want to preserve our tradition, not see it sink under a tide of confusion.”

As the sun sets over the Grand Harbour, casting a golden glow on the historic boats, the boatmen wait for a resolution. Their future, and that of Malta’s maritime heritage, hangs in the balance, caught in the currents of this complex regulatory dispute.