Boatmen’s Battle: Unlicensed Group ‘Regulating’ Local Sector

Imagine this: you’re a boatman in Marsamxett Harbour, Malta’s bustling port, and you’ve just had a stranger tell you how to run your business. This isn’t a one-off; it’s happening across the sector, and the strangers aren’t from the Transport Authority. They’re an unregistered group claiming to regulate the industry. Welcome to the latest twist in Malta’s maritime tale.

Unlicensed ‘Regulators’: Who Are They?

Meet the ‘Malta Boatmen’s Association’ (MBA), a group that’s been making waves in the local maritime scene. They’ve been telling boat operators how to price their services, where to operate, and even how to behave. But here’s the kicker: they’re not licensed by the Malta Maritime Administration (MMA).

“They’re just a group of individuals who’ve decided they can tell us how to run our businesses,” says Joe, a long-time boatman in Marsamxett Harbour who wished to remain anonymous. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and suddenly, these people are telling me I can’t operate here or there?”

Marsamxett Harbour: The Eye of the Storm

Marsamxett Harbour, with its vibrant blue waters and historic forts, is the epicentre of this storm. It’s where the MBA’s influence is most felt. Boat operators here are divided: some support the MBA, others are openly hostile. “They’re causing more trouble than good,” says Maria, a boatwoman who’s been operating in the harbour for over a decade.

But not everyone agrees. “They’re trying to bring some order to this chaos,” says Tony, a boatman who supports the MBA. “We’ve been operating without any real rules for too long. It’s about time someone stepped in.”

MMA: The Silent Observer

The MMA, the official regulator of Malta’s maritime sector, has been silent on the issue so far. When contacted, they simply stated, “We are aware of the situation and are monitoring it closely.”

Meanwhile, the MBA has been active on social media, posting rules and regulations for boat operators. They’ve also been known to ‘patrol’ the harbour, speaking to boat operators and ‘enforcing’ their rules.

But is this a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth? Or is it a necessary intervention in an unregulated sector? . But one thing’s for sure: Malta’s maritime sector is in for a stormy ride.

“We just want to do our jobs,” says Joe. “But with all this going on, it’s like we’re navigating a minefield every day.”