Boatmen Sound Alarm: Unregistered Group Stepping into Regulatory Role

Imagine this: You’re a boatman, plying your trade in the sparkling waters around Malta’s coast. Suddenly, an unmarked boat pulls up alongside, its occupants demanding to see your paperwork. They’re not coastguard, not customs, but a group claiming to represent the industry. Welcome to the new normal, according to Malta’s boatmen.

Unregistered Group: The New Sheriff in Town

Meet ‘The Association’, a group that’s been making waves in Malta’s maritime scene. They’ve been conducting inspections, issuing fines, and even suspending licenses. The catch? They’re not officially recognised by the Malta Maritime Administration (MMA).

Boatmen like Joe, a seasoned skipper from Marsaxlokk, are baffled. “I’ve been sailing these waters for 30 years,” he says, “and suddenly, some unregistered group is telling me how to run my boat?”

MMA: “We’re Looking into It”

The MMA, the official regulatory body, is aware of the situation. “We’re looking into these allegations,” says a spokesperson. “We take any unauthorised activity in our waters seriously.” But they’re tight-lipped about what action, if any, they’re taking.

Meanwhile, The Association remains elusive. They’ve declined our requests for an interview, but a source close to the group claims they’re acting in the industry’s best interest. “They’re just trying to clean up the mess,” they say, referring to the often unregulated boat tours that operate around the islands.

Boatmen: Divided but Concerned

Not all boatmen are against The Association. Some welcome the extra layer of regulation. “It’s about time someone stepped in,” says Maria, who runs boat tours from Sliema. “There are too many cowboys out there, putting passengers at risk.”

But many more are worried. “Who are they? Where do they get the right?” asks Joe. “And if they’re not official, how do we know they’re not just a bunch of bullies?”

For now, the situation remains murky. The MMA is investigating, The Association is active, and Malta’s boatmen are left wondering who’s really in charge of their waters.

One thing’s for sure: The Mediterranean’s usually calm surface has been ruffled. And it’s not clear yet who, or what, will smooth it out again.