Boatmen claim unregistered group is acting as sector regulator

In the bustling Grand Harbour, where the Mediterranean sun glints off the water and the Three Cities’ historic buildings stand sentinel, a storm is brewing. The usually harmonious world of Maltese boatmen has been disrupted by an unregistered group claiming to act as the sector’s regulator. The boatmen, who have been navigating these waters for generations, are up in arms, claiming this group is overstepping its bounds.

The group in question, calling themselves ‘Malta Maritime Regulators’ (MMR), has been making waves with their sudden appearance. They’ve started issuing guidelines, conducting inspections, and even imposing fines on boat operators. The problem? They’re not recognised by the Transport Malta, the official regulator, nor by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

“We’ve never heard of them until they started causing trouble,” says Joe Borg, a third-generation boatman based at the Sliema ferry terminal. “They just appeared one day, claiming they’re regulating our sector. No one elected them, no one appointed them. We’re confused, and frankly, we’re not happy.”

The MMR’s sudden appearance has left the boatmen in a limbo. They’re unsure of who to listen to – the official regulators or this new, unrecognised group. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the MMR’s guidelines often contradict those of the official regulators.

“We’re caught between a rock and a hard place,” says Maria Grech, a boatwoman operating from the Valletta Waterfront. “We want to follow the rules, but we don’t know which rules to follow. It’s like we’re navigating uncharted waters, and it’s scary.”

The situation has also raised concerns about safety. Boatmen worry that the confusion caused by the MMR’s unrecognised regulations could lead to accidents. “Safety should always be our top priority,” says Borg. “But how can we ensure that when we’re not sure who to listen to?”

The boatmen have started a petition, calling on the government to intervene and clarify the situation. They want the MMR to be recognised or discredited, but they can’t continue in this state of uncertainty.

“We’re not against regulation,” says Grech. “We just want it to come from the right people. We want clarity, so we can do our jobs safely and legally.”

The situation is being monitored closely by the MTA and Transport Malta. A spokesperson for the MTA said, “We are aware of the situation and are looking into it. We want to ensure that the boatmen, who are an essential part of our tourism industry, are regulated fairly and safely.”

—METADATA—

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“title”: “Malta Boatmen Challenge Unrecognised Sector Regulator”,
“metaDescription”: “Boatmen in Malta raise concerns over an unregistered group claiming to regulate their sector, causing confusion and safety fears. Grand Harbour boatmen call for clarity.”,
“categories”: [“Local News”, “Business”],
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“imageDescription”: “A busy scene at the Grand Harbour, with traditional Maltese boats and the historic Three Cities in the background.”
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