Notices to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,228

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, hereby notifies all mariners, owners of vessels and bathers, that the following arrangements will be made for Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay in the North Comino Channel for the period between Wednesday 1st May 2024 and Tuesday 15th October 2024.

1a)       Blue Lagoon – Comino Swimmers' Zone (see Figure 1 found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt))

No vessels or objects which may endanger the safety of bathers, including any type of fishing gear/implements, shall be used within a swimmers' zone. The swimmers' zone is being reserved exclusively for bathers and is delineated by the following coordinates:

1b) Mooring areas for Commercial vessels

Two mooring areas are being assigned for commercial vessels. The boundaries of these mooring areas are delineated by the following coordinates:

1c) Fairway

A fairway has been established as indicated on the chart as Figure 1 found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) and it is delineated by the following positions.  Special Mark buoys fitted with a yellow light flashing every 5 seconds will be placed at points 1, 2, 3 and 5.

No vessels or objects which may endanger the safety of bathers, including any type of fishing gear/implements, shall be used within a swimmers' zone. The swimmers' zone is being reserved exclusively for bathers and is delineated by the following coordinates:

9b) Fairway                                        

The fairway was established by Notice to Mariners No. 7 of 2017 and is to be used solely for navigation and should otherwise be kept clear.

10a)     Il-Bajja ta' Santa Maria - Comino (Inner) Swimmers' Zone (see Figure 10 found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt)).

No vessels or objects which may endanger the safety of bathers, including any type of fishing gear/implements, shall be used within a swimmers' zone. The swimmers' zone is being reserved exclusively for bathers and is delineated by the following coordinates:

No vessels or objects which may endanger the safety of bathers, including any type of fishing gear/implements, shall be used within a swimmers' zone. The swimmers' zone is being reserved exclusively for bathers and is delineated by the following coordinates:

10c) Fairway

The fairway was established by Notice to Mariners No. 8 of 2017 and is to be used solely for navigation and should otherwise be kept clear.

A minimum safety distance of 5 metres from the swimmers' zone is to be maintained.

Nylon ropes supported by floats will delineate the swimmers' zone and may remain in place two weeks after the stipulated date. Mariners are to keep a safe distance from the vessels that will be laying and/or removing the ropes.

For the benefit and safety of all bathers and mariners, Transport Malta urges all visitors and commercial vessels to adhere to these arrangements. Enforcement officers will be randomly patrolling the area.  Any offender, on conviction, shall be liable to the fines (multa) as laid down in the second column to the Third Schedule of the Small Ships Regulations, as amended.

Mariners are advised to keep a good lookout and navigate with caution and at slow speed in the North Comino Channel when entering the Blue Lagoon, Il-Bajja ta' San Niklaw and Il-Bajja ta' Santa Maria Bay.  They are also reminded that it is prohibited to secure/moor any vessel to any of the marker buoys, swimmers' zone delineation markers and related gear belonging to Transport Malta.

All positions are referred to WGS 84 DATUM.

Chart affected: BA 211          

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies all mariners, owners of vessels and bathers regarding the following restrictions in respect of designated zones reserved for swimmers.

These restrictions shall be in place from the date indicated for each area and until Monday, 30th September, 2024.

Mariners and owners of vessels moored within the zones reserved for swimmers are requested to remove their vessels and mooring buoys immediately. Any vessels and mooring buoys left in these areas will be removed. No liability whatsoever will be borne by Transport Malta for any damage to vessels or any damage/loss of mooring buoys and ground tackle that are left in these areas.

The zones reserved for swimmers will be indicated by coloured marker buoys and ropes. The ropes may be kept afloat by marker floats in location up to 2 weeks after the abovementioned dates.

Within several bays, access to the beach will be provided through launching lanes, which will also be marked by floats. Any vessels, needing to access the beach, shall only do so through the launching lanes. No vessel is to be moored close to the approaches to the entrance or inside the launching lanes unless authorised by Transport Malta. Such lanes shall be used solely for embarking and disembarking of passengers and by commercial and water sports vessel operators.

No vessels or objects which may endanger the safety of bathers, including any type of fishing gear/implements, shall be used within a swimmers' zone.

The boundaries of these Swimmers' Zones are as follows:

1. Blue Lagoon, Comino: Refer to Local Notice to Mariners No. 29 of 2024.

2. Mġarr ix-Xini, Gozo: Refer to Figure 2    

Lines joining points 2_A, 2_B and 2_C and the intermediate coastline.

3. Il-Bajja tax-Xlendi, Gozo: Refer to Figure 3        

A wire rope between points 3_A (on Quay) and 3_B (near slipway) and the intermediate coastline. 

The boundary of this swimmer zone in Xlendi is a wire rope between points 3_C (sandy beach), 3_D (off the jetty) and 3_E (near Churchill Bar) and the intermediate coastline.

Furthermore, lines joining points 3_F, 3_G, 3_H, 3_I and 3_J and the intermediate coastline delineate another zone.

4. Il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar, Gozo: Refer to Figure 4        

Line joining points 4_A (SW of slipway) and 4_B (steps) and the intermediate coastline to the southwest of this line.

Line joining points 5_A, 5_B 5_C and 5_D and the intermediate coastline of this line and line joining points 5_E and 5_F and the intermediate coastline south of this line.

6. Ir-Ramla, Gozo: Refer to Figure 6                           

Line joining points 6_A, 6_B, 6_C and 6_D and the intermediate coastline to the south of this line.

7. Il-Bajja ta' San Blas, Gozo: Refer to Figure 7

Line joining points 7_A, 7_B, 7_C and 7_D and the intermediate coastline to the southwest of this line.

8. Il-Bajja ta' Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo: Refer to Figure 8                       

Line joining points 8_A, 8_B and 8_C and the intermediate coastline.

9. Il-Bajja ta' San Niklaw, Comino: Refer to Local Notice to Mariners No. 29 of 2024                       

10. Il-Bajja ta' Santa Marija, Comino (inner and outer): Refer to Local Notice to Mariners No. 29 of 2024

11. Ċirkewwa: Refer to Figure 11

Line joining points 11_A and 11_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

12. Marfa (Ir-Ramla tal-Bir): Refer to Figure 12

Line joining points 12_A and 12_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

13. Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa (Ramlet il-Qortin): Refer to Figure 13

Line joining points 13_A, 13_B, and 13_C and the intermediate coastline of this line.

14. Il-Bajja tal-Armier: Refer to Figure 14

Line joining points 14_A, 14_B ,14_C and 14_D and the intermediate coastline to the south of this line.

15. Ir-Ramla tat-Torri: Refer to Figure 15

Line joining points 15_A and 15_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

16. Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa: Refer to Figure 16 

Line joining points 16_A, 16_B, 16_C and 16_D and the intermediate coastline to the northwest of this line and line joining points 16_E, 16_F, 16_G and 16_H and the intermediate coastline to the southwest of this line.

A minimum safety/navigable clearance distance of 5 metres from these lines is to be maintained.

17. Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa (Tunnara): Refer to Figure 17        

Line joining points 17_A, 17_B and 17_C and the intermediate coastline.

18. Il-Bajja tal-Imġiebaħ: Refer to Figure 18

Line joining points 18_A, 18_B, 18_C and the intermediate coastline to the south of this line.

19. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Selmun): Refer to Figure 19                  

Line joining points 19_A and 19_B and the intermediate coastline to the south of this line.

20. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Tal-Fekruna): Refer to Figure 20          

Line joining points 20_A and 20_B and the intermediate coastline to the west of this line.

21. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Xemxija): Refer to Figure 21    

Line joining points 21_A, 21_B, 21_C and 21_D and the intermediate coastline.

22. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Għajn Rażul – Veċċja Breakwater): Refer to Figure 22

Line joining points 22_A, 22_B, 22_C and 22_D and the intermediate coastline and line joining points 22_E, 22_F, 22_G and 22_H and the intermediate coastline.

The area between the imaginary line 22_E and 22_F and the coast east of it, shown hatched, is not to be used by swimmers since it has been declared as dangerous, as per Local Notice to Mariners No. 2 of 2024.

23. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Għażżelin): Refer to Figure 23  

Line joining points 23_A, 23_B, 23_C, 23_D and 23_E and the intermediate coastline, the line joining points 23_F, 23_G, 23_H and the intermediate coastline and the line joining points 23_I, 23_J and the intermediate coastline.

The area between the imaginary line A and B and the coast southwest of it, shown hatched, is not to be used by swimmers since it has been declared as dangerous, as per Local Notice to Mariners No. 2 of 2024.

24. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Buġibba Square): Refer to Figure 24                

Line joining points 24_A, 24_B and 24_C and the intermediate coastline to the southeast of this line and line joining points 24_D, 24_E and 24_F and the intermediate coastline to the southwest of this line.

25. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar, Buġibba (opposite Dolmen Hotel): Refer to Figure 25

Lines joining points 25_A, 25_B, 25_C and 25_D and the intermediate coastline and line joining points 25_E, 25_F and 25_G and the intermediate coastline and line joining points 25_H, 25_I and 25_J and the intermediate coastline.   

26. Qawra: Refer to Figure 26                       

Lines joining points 26_A, 26_B, 26_C, 26_D and 26_E, and the intermediate coastline.

27. Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite Suncrest Hotel): Refer to Figure 27

Line joining points 27_A, 27_B, 27_C and 27_D and the intermediate coastline of this line.

28. Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite ex Coastline Hotel): Refer to Figure 28    

Line joining points 28_A and 28_B and the intermediate coastline to the southeast.

29. Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ (San Ġiljan): Refer to Figure 29

Line joining points 29_A, 29_B, 29_C and 29_D and the intermediate coastline.

30. Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (opposite Cavalieri Hotel): Refer to Figure 30         

Line joining points  30_A, 30_B and 30_C and the intermediate coastline.

31. Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (St Julian's): Refer to Figure 31                   

A rectangular line joining points 31_A, 31_B, 31_C and 31_D and the intermediate coastline.

32. Il-Bajja ta' Spinola (Balluta Bay): Refer to Figure 32

Line joining points 32_A and 32_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

33. Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (Tas-Sliema): Refer to Figure 33

Line joining points 33_A, 33_B, 33_C, 33_D and 33_E and the intermediate coastline of this line and the line joining points 33_F, 33_G and 33_H and the intermediate coastline south of this line.

34. Tas-Sliema (Font Għadir): Refer to Figure 34

Line joining points 34_A, 34_B and 34_C and the intermediate coastline.

35. Tigné: Refer to Figure 35

Line joining points 35_A, 35_B, 35_C and 35_D and the intermediate coastline of this line.

36. Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (Waterpolo Pitch): Refer to Figure 36

Line joining points 36_A, 36_B, 36_C, 36_D and 36_E and the intermediate coastline to the north of this line.

The area between the imaginary lines joining the points A to B to C and the coast north of it, shown hatched, is not to be used by swimmers since it has been declared as dangerous, as per Local Notice to Mariners No. 2 of 2024.

37. Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (opposite ex Jerma Hotel): Refer to Figure 37

The lines joining the points 37_A, 37_B, 37_C, 37_D and 37_E and the intermediate coastline.

38. Il-Bajja ta' San Tumas (outer): Refer to Figure 38

Line joining points 38_A, 38_B, 38_C and 38_D and the intermediate coastline.

39. Il-Bajja ta' San Tumas (inner): Refer to Figure 39

Line joining points 39_A, 39_B, 39_C and 39_D and the intermediate coastline of this line.

40. Xrobb l-Għaġin (Dellimara): Refer to Figure 40

Line joining points 40_A, 40_B, 40_C and 40_D and the intermediate coastline.

41. St Peter's Pool: Refer to Figure 41

Line joining points 41_A and 41_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

42. Il-Kalanka tat-Tumbrell: Refer to Figure 42

Line joining points 42_A, and 42_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

43. Il-Kalanka t-Tawwalija (Dellimara): Refer to Figure 43

Line joining points 43_A and 43_B and the intermediate coastline.

44. Marsaxlokk: Refer to Figure 44

Line joining points 44_A, 44_B, 44_C, 44_D and 44_E and the intermediate coastline of this line.

45. Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Qajjenza): Refer to Figure 45

Line joining points 45_A, 45_B, 45_C and 45_D and the intermediate coastline of this line.

46. Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (San Ġorġ): Refer to Figure 46

Line joining points 46_A and 46_B and the intermediate coastline.

47. Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Pretty Bay): Refer to Figure 47

Line joining points from 47_A (southern most part of old breakwater jetty), 47_B and 47_C (the southeast part of the waterpolo pitch) and the intermediate coastline.

48. Il-Bajja tal-Ġnejna: Refer to Figure 48

Line joining points 48_A, 48_B, 48_C and 48_D and the intermediate coastline to the southeast of this line.

49. Ir-Ramla ta' Għajn Tuffieħa: Refer to Figure 49

Line joining points 49_A 49_B and 49_C and the intermediate coastline to the southeast of this line.

50. Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Sands): Refer to Figure 50

Line joining points 50_A, 50_B and 50_C and the intermediate coastline to the northeast of this line.

51. Il-Bajja taċ-Ċirkewwa (Paradise Bay): Refer to Figure 51

Line joining points 51_A, 51_B and 51_C and the intermediate coastline of this line.

52. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Tal-Fekruna – outer): Refer to Figure 52

Line joining points 52_A, 52_B, 52_C and 52_D and the intermediate coastline.

The ropes with buoys to indicate the swimmer zones will be laid as follows:

On Monday, 20th May, 2024 – effective date Monday, 20th May, 2024

Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa: Figure 16

Between Monday, 20th May, 2024, and Friday, 31st May, 2024 – effective date Monday, 20th May, 2024

Ir-Ramla – Gozo: Figure 6

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar – Buġibba (opposite Dolmen Hotel): Figure 25

Il-Qawra: Figure 26

Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite Suncrest Hotel): Figure 27

Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite ex Coastline Hotel): Figure 28

Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ (San Ġiljan): Figure 29

Tas-Sliema (Font Għadir): Figure 34

Ir-Ramla ta' Għajn Tuffieħa: Figure 49

Il-Bajja taċ-Ċirkewwa (Paradise Bay): Figure 51

Between Friday, 31st May, 2024 and Tuesday, 4th June, 2024 – effective date Friday, 31st May, 2024

Mġarr ix-Xini – Gozo: Figure 2

Il-Bajja tax-Xlendi – Gozo: Figure 3

Il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar – Gozo: Figure 4

Il-Bajja ta' Marsalforn – Gozo: Figure 5

Il-Bajja ta' San Blas – Gozo: Figure 7

Il-Bajja ta' Ħondoq ir-Rummien – Gozo: Figure 8

Iċ-Ċirkewwa: Figure 11

Marfa (Ir-Ramla tal-Bir): Figure 12

Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa (Ramlet il-Qortin): Figure 13

Il-Bajja tal-Armier: Figure 14

Ir-Ramla tat-Torri: Figure 15

Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa – It-Tunnara: Figure 17

Il-Bajja tal-Imġiebaħ: Figure 18

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Selmun): Figure 19

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Tal-Fekruna): Figure 20

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Xemxija): Figure 21

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Għajn Rażul – Veċċja Breakwater): Figure 22

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Għażżelin): Figure 23

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Buġibba Square): Figure 24

Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (opposite Cavallieri Hotel): Figure 30

Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (St Julian's): Figure 31

Il-Bajja ta' Spinola (Balluta Bay): Figure 32

Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (Tas-Sliema): Figure 33

Tigné: Figure 35

Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (Waterpolo Pitch): Figure 36

Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (opposite ex Jerma Hotel): Figure 37

Il-Bajja ta' San Tumas (outer): Figure 38

Il-Bajja ta' San Tumas (inner): Figure 39

Xrobb l-Għaġin (Dellimara): Figure 40

St Peter's Pool: Figure 41

Kalanka tat-Tumbrell: Figure 42

Kalanka t-Tawwalija (Dellimara): Figure 43

Marsaxlokk: Figure 44

Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Qajjenza): Figure 45

Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (San Ġorġ): Figure 46

Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Pretty Bay): Figure 47

Il-Bajja tal-Ġnejna: Figure 48

Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Sands): Figure 50

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Tal-Fekruna – outer): Figure 52

For ease of reference, charts depicting swimmers' zones and launching lanes can be viewed on the Transport Malta website (http://www.transport.gov.mt).

Mariners are advised to keep a sharp lookout and navigate with caution and at slow speed when in the vicinity of the abovementioned areas. They are also reminded that it is prohibited to secure/moor any vessel or object with any marker buoy, ropes and related gear delineating the swimmer's zones.

A minimum safety distance of five (5) metres from the swimmers' zone is to be maintained.

For the benefit and safety of all bathers and mariners, Transport Malta urges all visitors and commercial vessels to adhere to these arrangements. Enforcement officers will be regularly patrolling the area. Any offender, on conviction, shall be liable to the fines (multa) as laid down in the second column to the Third Schedule of the Small Ships Regulations, as amended.

All positions are referred to WGS 84 DATUM.

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that a seabed clean-up operation by divers in Marsamxett Harbour, within the two areas (A and B), as shown in red on the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt), will be held on Sunday, 21st April, 2024, from 9.00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m.

The divers will be assisted by a RIBH which will be exhibiting the international code of Signals Flag 'A'.

During the event there will also be some small sailing boats, going round within Marsamxett Harbour, collecting any floating marine debris there might be at the surface.

If due to weather conditions the seabed clean-up cannot be held on the stipulated date, another attempt will be made on Sunday 28th April, 2024, instead.

Mariners are advised to keep a sharp lookout and navigate with extreme caution and at slow speed when in the vicinity, on the stipulated date and time.

They are to cooperate with the organisers and to comply with any instructions issued on VHF channel 12 and/or 16 by Valletta VTS and by any enforcement personnel on site.

Chart affected: BA 211