Malta’s Freedivers and Spearfisher Urge Boaters: ‘Share the Waves Safely’
Imagine this: You’re gliding through the crystal-clear waters off Malta’s coast, the sun warming your back, when suddenly a speedboat roars overhead, its wake threatening to drag you under. This isn’t a scene from a thriller, but a reality faced by Malta’s freedivers and spearfishers, who are calling for boaters to take more care.
Near Misses and Safety Concerns
Local freediver and instructor, Mark Attard, shares, “I’ve had close calls where boats have passed so near, I’ve felt the pressure of their wake pushing me down.” He’s not alone. Spearfisher Joseph Xuereb recounts, “I’ve had to surface quickly to avoid being hit by a boat’s propeller.”
These near misses are happening in popular diving spots like Cirkewwa and Marsaxlokk, where boats, from pleasure craft to tour operators, are numerous. The issue? Many boaters aren’t aware of the safety guidelines around divers and spearfishers.
Safety Guidelines: What Boaters Need to Know
According to the Malta Maritime Authority, boaters should keep a safe distance from divers and spearfishers, maintaining a slow speed and avoiding sudden maneuvers. Yet, many boaters remain unaware of these rules.
“We’ve had incidents where boaters have argued they didn’t see our dive flags,” says Attard. Dive flags, typically red with a white diagonal stripe, are the international sign for ‘diver below.’ Boaters are required by law to keep at least 50 meters away from them.
Educating Boaters and Enforcing Rules
Local clubs like the Malta Freediving Association and Malta Spearfishing Association are pushing for better boater education. They’re calling for stricter enforcement of safety rules and more visible signage in popular diving areas.
Xuereb suggests, “Mandatory safety briefings for boat rentals could help. It’s in everyone’s interest to keep our waters safe.”
For now, divers and spearfishers are taking matters into their own hands. “We’re using social media to raise awareness,” says Attard. “We want boaters to know we’re out there, enjoying Malta’s waters responsibly, and we want them to do the same.”
