Malta Divers Urge Boaters: Slow Down, Stay Safe

Local Divers Sound Alarm After Close Calls with Boats

Picture this: You’re floating peacefully on the surface of the Mediterranean, taking in the crystal-clear blues of Malta’s coastal waters. Suddenly, the hum of a boat engine grows louder, and before you know it, a speeding vessel is bearing down on you. This isn’t a scene from a thriller movie, but a reality faced by many freedivers and spearfishers in Malta.

Near Misses and Safety Concerns

Local diving enthusiasts have been raising the alarm about close encounters with boaters, with some incidents coming dangerously close to tragedy. “I’ve had a few near misses where boats have come within metres of me,” says Mark, a seasoned freediver from Msida. “It’s scary, and it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens.”

Spearfishing enthusiast Lisa from Sliema echoes these concerns. “I’ve had boats speed past me, creating massive waves that could easily knock me unconscious or pull me under,” she says. “It’s not just dangerous for us, but for the boaters too. They could hit us and not even know it.”

Boaters: A Reminder of Safety Rules

While many boaters are respectful of divers and follow safety guidelines, some seem to be unaware of the rules or simply disregard them. According to Malta’s Merchant Shipping Act, boats must keep a safe distance from divers, and it’s an offence to cause danger or nuisance to them. Yet, enforcement seems lax, and incidents continue.

Boat owners and renters should familiarise themselves with the rules. “Slow down when you see divers’ flags or buoys,” advises Mark. “And always keep a safe distance. You never know when someone might surface unexpectedly.”

Lisa also suggests that boaters consider taking a safety course that includes information about sharing waterways with divers. “It’s not just about us,” she says. “It’s about everyone enjoying the sea responsibly.”

Call to Action: Let’s Make Our Waters Safer

It’s time for all of us – divers, boaters, and the authorities – to step up and make Malta’s waters safer. Divers, let’s make sure we’re visible and follow safety protocols. Boaters, let’s be more aware and considerate. And authorities, let’s enforce the rules and educate the public. Together, we can prevent tragedies and ensure everyone can enjoy our beautiful seas responsibly.

As Mark puts it, “Malta’s waters are a treasure. Let’s not turn them into a dangerous playground.”