Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,189 of 6th February 2024

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, hereby notifies mariners and the general public that dredging and construction work in connection with the new Buġibba breakwater will now cover the whole working area and will last until further notice.

The dredging and construction working area is as shown in red on the attached chart. Mariners and the general public are to note that as from mid-February 2024 no berthing will be allowed on both sides of the Buġibba breakwater, not even for un/loading.

During these works, the area is to be kept clear and all vessels within the area are to be removed. Any vessels and moorings that are left in the area after the stipulated date will be removed at the expense of their owner.  No liability whatsoever will be accepted by the Authority for any damage that may be caused while removing the said vessels and moorings.

The vessels engaged in the dredging and construction work are to be given a wide berth and will be exhibiting the appropriate lights and shapes in accordance with the requirements of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (Colregs) 1972.

Some of the works will be carried out by scuba divers who will be displaying the International Code of Signals Flag 'A', while works are being carried out.

Mariners and vessel operators are to navigate with caution and at slow speed (no wake) when in the vicinity and are to co-operate with the contractor on site.

Mariners are to comply with instructions issued on VHF channel 12 and/or 16 by Valletta VTS and any enforcement officers on site.

Local Notice to Mariners No. 175 of 2023 is hereby CANCELLED.

Chart affected: BA 211

Reference is made to BA Chart 36 – Marsaxlokk and approaches

BA Chart 2538 – Malta

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies Mariners that a steel beam has been laid to the west-northwest of Bunkering Area 2, in the following approximate position.

Latitude (N)Longitude (E)

35° 53'.043                 014° 34'.437

Insert symbol (#) indicating a foul area, in the above position.

Positions are referred to WGS 84 DATUM.

Charts affected: BA 36, 2538