Notices to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,395 of 21st February 2025

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies that the Conservation Biology Research Group of the University of Malta is conducting research on marine biodiversity within the Central Mediterranean Region around the Maltese Islands (from coastal to offshore) in respect of:

1) Dolphins, whales and turtles

2) Sharks, rays

3) Jellyfish blooms

4) Alien species sightings or caught during fishing

Mariners are requested to cooperate and support the research by reporting immediately after sightings to the following:

Email: Prof. Adriana Vella on (adriana.vella@um.edu.mt)

SMS/phone on mobile/WhatsApp: +356 9942 9592

Additionally, thanks to support by the NGO BICREF, one may also send information using the fill-up form at the link (http://bicref.org.mt/notices-to-mariners/).

The information required includes the following:

a) Date and time of observation.

b) Number of dolphins/whales/turtles/sharks/blooms of jellyfish/alien species.

c) Location of sighting (including GPS coordinates if possible).

d) Photos/videos whenever possible to allow for identification of the species.

The participation of mariners in this long-term initiative is very much encouraged and necessary to ensure regular updates supporting the monitoring of Maltese waters to devise an early warning system for bathers and to assist in Mediterranean-wide marine conservation.

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, would like to notify mariners that the Birżebbuġa Sailing Club (BSC) shall be holding the Yachting Malta BSC Regatta 2025 between Saturday, 1st March and Tuesday, 4th March, 2025.

Races shall take place between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (local time) on all days.

Class races shall take place over two (2) adjacent upwind/downwind courses, centred in the selected sailing area depending on the prevailing weather conditions. As shown on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) showing areas A1, A2, B and C.

The courses, around which the competitors shall have to sail, shall be defined by orange inflatable marks (waypoints) of about 1.5 meters in height.

Races will take place, only when no merchant vessel traffic is scheduled to enter or to depart, from the Malta Freeport Terminals. 

Masters of all craft, not directly involved in any of these events, are asked to keep clear of the racing areas, especially at each of the turning marks.   All mariners are to observe any instructions that may be given by the Race Organisers safety crafts and on VHF Channels 14 and/or 16 by Marsaxlokk VTS.

Charts affected: BA 36, 2538

regarding Merkanti Reef, East Cardinal Light ‒ Destroyed

Reference is made to BA Charts 177 – Valletta Harbours

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that the Merkanti Reef East Cardinal light flashing quick 3 every 10 seconds (pole mounted) mentioned in Notice to Mariners No. 4 of 2025, has been re-established and is functioning properly.

Notice to Mariners No. 4 of 2025 is hereby cancelled.