Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,280 of 5th July 2024

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and the general public that with immediate effect, vessels are restricted from navigating beneath the bridge located at il-Fossa – Marsamxett Harbour due to its current status.

Mariners are to note the above information and shall observe the 50m safety zone. They are required to navigate with caution and at slow speed when navigating close to the area.

They are to comply with instructions given on VHF Channel 12 and/or 16 by Valletta VTS.

Chart affected: BA 177

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and owners of vessels, that in line with Local Notice to Mariners No 29 and 30 of 2024, NO vessel is to be moored close to the approaches to the entrance or inside the launching lanes, unless authorised by Transport Malta.

Mariners are also reminded to maintain a safety distance of 5 metres from the swimmers' zone.

Mariners are to keep a sharp lookout, navigate at slow speed, they are also to comply with any instructions given on VHF channels 12 – Valletta VTS, 14 - Marsaxlokk VTS and/or 16 by Valletta/ Marsaxlokk VTS and by any Enforcement Personnel in the area.

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and the general public that with immediate effect, vessels are restricted from navigating beneath the 31st March Installation in Marsaxlokk Port due to its current dangerous status.

Diving and surface swimming are prohibited in the area.

Mariners are to note the above information and shall observe the 50m safety zone. They are required to navigate with caution and at slow speed when navigating close to the area.

They are to comply with instructions given on VHF Channel 14 and/or 16 by Marsaxlokk VTS.

Chart affected: BA 36

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and owners of vessels, that due to the risk of vessels being swamped by tugs operating at Malta Freeport Terminal 1W, all vessels moored within the area as shown in the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) are affected.

Moorings situated in the area delineated by imaginary points A, B and the coastline, as shown on the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) are to be removed immediately and no later than 15th July, 2024.

Any vessels, moorings and associated ground tackle that are left in this area after the stipulated date will be removed. No liability whatsoever will be accepted by the Authority for any damage that may be caused while removing the said vessels, moorings and associated ground tackle.

Furthermore, mariners are reminded that it is prohibited to lay any moorings and ground tackle without the prior permission of the Authority and that approaches to marine terminals manoeuvering areas and fairways are to be kept clear at all times.

Failure to comply with the above directions may be subject to legal proceedings.

Chart affected: BA 36

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, reminds mariners, that every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision. S.L.234.20

In the International Code of Signals, the single letter 'A' denotes 'I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed'.

All vessels, including vessels less than 12 meters in length shall when carrying out diving operations, exhibit a rigid replica of the International Code flag 'A' not less than 1 metre in height. Measures shall be taken to ensure its all-round visibility. S.L.234.20 as shown on (www.transport.gov.mt)).

Mariners are also reminded that 'No person shall cause, suffer or permit any mechanically driven small ship to proceed at a speed in excess of ten knots –

(a) inside any harbour; or

(b) in any place within 300 metres of the foreshore of any sandy beach; or

(c) in any place within 200 metres of any other part of the foreshore (coast)'. S.L.499.52

Divers and diving vessels engaged in diving operations shall at all times always exhibit the 'A' flag when divers are down.

All mariners are reminded that any other flag such as the red flag with white diagonal line, which is not endorsed by the International Code of Signals also denotes the presence of a diver and to ensure that a safe distance and safe speed are maintained at all times. (as shown on (www.transport.gov.mt)).

In addition, SMBs – Surface Marker Buoy or DSMBs – Delayed Surface Marker Buoy signals may also be used during operations. These buoys are generally red, orange or yellow. These buoys may feature SOLAS reflective tape for better visibility. Similar to the International Code of Signals, the presence of these buoys denotes 'I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed'. (as shown on (www.transport.gov.mt)).

The presence of the Alpha Flag, the red flag with white diagonal line and SMB/DSMB, denote 'I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed', with a recommended safety distance of 100m.

Local Notice to Mariners No. 62 of 2024 is hereby CANCELLED.

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, would like to notify mariners that on Sunday, 14th July, 2024, a Statue of St Joseph will be loaded on a vessel from Marsa – 'Il-Moll tal- Pont' (point A on chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) and transported to Kalkara – 'Il-Ponta ta' Bighi (point B on chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt)),

The ceremony will commence at 5.00 p.m, and is expected to be completed by 6.30 p.m.

During the trip, several other vessels are expected to accompany the vessel carrying the statue.

The transportation of the statue shall take place when no vessel traffic is scheduled to enter or depart from the Grand Harbour – Il-Port il-Kbir.

Mariners are to navigate with caution at slow speed and to keep a sharp lookout when in the vicinity to the above-mentioned events and when sighted they are to give the vessel carrying the statue a wide berth.

They are to comply with any instructions given on VHF Channel 12 and/or 16, by Valletta VTS and the organisers.

Chart affected: BA 177