Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,439 of 16th May 2025

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that a 15-minute fireworks display will be let off from the foreshore off Il-Fortizza ta' Tigné on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025. The display will be centred at Point A as shown on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) in the approximate following position:

Latitude (N)Longitude (E)

            A         35° 54'.332    14° 30'.735

The fireworks display will take place at around 11.00 p.m.

In view of the above, mariners are advised to keep 60 metres away from point A on the abovementioned date and time.

Any boats berthed or anchored within the area shown on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) are to be removed during the abovementioned date and time.

Transport Malta will accept no liability whatsoever for any damage caused by the displays to any vessel and her ancillary equipment, whether such vessel and her ancillary equipment are left within the safety zone, or outside such safety zone, from the point from which the display is to be held. 

All mariners are to comply with any instructions given on VHF Channel 12 and/or 16, by Valletta VTS and by any enforcement personnel on site.

Chart affected: BA 177

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that a Chinese Cakes fireworks display will be held from the foreshore off the Grand Hotel Excelsior on Wednesday, 21st May, 2025, starting at 11.00 p.m. for not more than 10 minutes. The display will be centred at Point A as shown on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) in the approximate following position:

Latitude (N)Longitude (E)

A                     35° 53'.904     014° 30'.282

In view of the above, mariners are advised to keep 10m away from point A, on the abovementioned date and time.

Any boats berthed within the area shown on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) chart are to be removed during the abovementioned date and time.

Transport Malta will accept no liability whatsoever for any damage caused by the firework displays to any vessel and her ancillary equipment, whether such vessel and her ancillary equipment are left within the 10m safety zone, or outside such safety zone, from the point from which the fireworks are let off.

All mariners are to comply with any instructions given on VHF Channel 12 and/or 16, by Valletta VTS and by any enforcement personnel on site.

Chart affected: BA 177

Reference is made to Local Notice to Mariners No. 53 of 2025.

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and owners of vessels that due to adverse wind conditions the position of the three (3) pontoons is being shifted to in front of the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The pontoons will now be laid in the following approximate positions W, X, and Y, as shown on the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

Local Notice to Mariners No. 53 of 2025 is to be amended accordingly.

All the other information mentioned in Local Notice to Mariners No. 53 of 2025 will remain valid.

Chart affected:  BA 177

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners, owners of vessels and the general public that the following restricted navigational areas have been established as follows:

A) In Wied il-Għasri (Gozo), the area joining the points A1, A2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart A found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

B) In Il-Qolla l-Bajda (Gozo), the area joining the points B1, B2, B3, B4 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart B found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

C) In Marfa (Ir-Ramla tal-Bir), the area joining the points C1, C2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart C found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

D) In Mellieħa (Ramlet il-Qortin), the area joining the points D1, D2, D3 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart D found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

E) In Ir-Ramla tat-Torri, the area joining the points E1, E2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart E found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

F) In Il-Bajja tal-Imgiebaħ, the area joining the points F1, F2, F3 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart F  found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

G) In Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Selmun), the area joining the points G1, G2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart G found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

H) In Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Tal-Fekruna), the area joining the points H1, H2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart H found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

I) In Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Gillieru), the area joining the points I1, I2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart I found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

J) In Il-Ponta tad-Dragunara, the area joining the points J1, J2, J3, J4 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart J found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

K) In Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (opposite Cavalieri Hotel), the area joining the points K1, K2, K3 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart K found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

L) In Tas-Sliema, a floating platform will be laid centred at point L1 as shown on chart L found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

M) In Il-Port ta' Marsamxett (Tigné), the area joining the points M1, M2, M3, M4 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart M found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

N) In Il-Port ta' Marsamxett (Ta' Xbiex area), the area joining the points N1, N2, N3, N4 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart N found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

O) In Il-Port ta' Marsamxett (near Excelsior Hotel), the area joining the points O1, O2, O3, O4 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart O found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

P) In Il-Port ta' Marsamxett (Valletta Water Polo Pitch area), the area joining the points P1, P2, P3 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart P found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

Q) In Il-Port il-Kbir (Kalkara Creek ‒ Toqba area ‒ Birgu), the area joining the points Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart Q found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

R) In Il-Port il-Kbir (Rinella Bay area), the area joining the points R1, R2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart R found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

S) In Dellimara (Xrobb l-Għaġin), the area joining the points S1, S2, S3, S4 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart S found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

T) In Dellimara (St Peter's Pool), the area joining the points T1, T2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart T found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

U)  In Dellimara (Kalanka tat-Tumbrell), the area joining the points U1, U2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart U found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

V) In Dellimara (Kalanka t-Tawwalija), the area joining the points V1, V2 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart V found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

W) In Il-Bajja ta' Marsaxlokk (Il-Magħluq), the area joining the points W1, W2, W3 and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart W found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

To always ensure safety, no vessel, craft, or other object, whether mechanically driven or not, is to enter these designated restricted areas. Furthermore, the use of fishing gear/implements is not allowed in these areas. 

These restricted navigational areas may be in place with immediate effect and until Tuesday, 30th September, 2025.  All restricted navigational areas, except for the floating platform, will be delineated by ropes, which will be kept afloat by coloured buoys.

Owners of vessels moored within these designated restricted areas are advised to remove their vessels and mooring buoys immediately. Any vessels and mooring buoys left in these areas may be removed by the respective operators. No liability whatsoever, will be borne by Transport Malta for any damage to vessels or any damage/loss of mooring buoys and ground tackles, that are left in these areas.

Mariners are informed that it is prohibited to secure/moor any vessel, craft, or object to any marker buoy, ropes, floating platform, and related gear delineating the restricted navigational areas.

Position is referred to WGS 84 DATUM.

Chart affected: BA 177, 211, 2537, 2538

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 Tuesday, 30th September, 2025.

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. 46 of 2025.

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 tax-Xwejni, Gozo: Refer to Figure 4       

Line joining points 4_A, 4_B, 4_C and 4_B and the intermediate coastline as shown in Figure 4 on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

5. Il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar, Gozo: Refer to Figure 5        

Line joining points 5_A (SW of slipway) and 5_B (steps) and the intermediate coastline to the south west of this line.

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

Furthermore, line joining the points 6_G, 6_H, 6_I, 6_J and the intermediate coastline as shown in Figure 6 on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt), are refering to the Marsalforn water polo pitch.

7. Ir-Ramla, Gozo: Refer to Figure 7            

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

8. Il-Bajja ta' San Blas, Gozo: Refer to Figure 8

Line joining points 8_A, 8_B, 8_C and 8_D and the intermediate coastline to the southwest of this line.

9. Il-Bajja ta' San Niklaw, Comino: Refer to Local Notice to Mariners No. 46 of 2025                       

10. Il-Bajja ta' Santa Marija, Comino (inner and outer): Refer to Local Notice to Mariners No. 46 of 2025

11. Il-Bajja ta' Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo: Refer to Figure 11                   

Line joining points 11_A, 11_B and 11_C and the intermediate coastline.

12. Ix-Xatt L-Aħmar, Gozo: Refer to Figure 12

Line joining points 12_A, 12_B and the intermediate coastline.

13. Ċirkewwa: Refer to Figure 13

Line joining points 13_A and 13_B 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. Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa: Refer to Figure 15

Line Joining points 15_A, 15_B, 15_C, 15_D, 15_E, 15_F and 15_G and the intermediate coastline to the South-West of this line.

A minimum safety/navigable clearing distance of 20 metres from these lines is to be maintained.

Designated Zone with points 15_H, 15_I 15_J and 15_K, and the intermediate coastline to the north west is Temporarily Disused (see Local Notice to Mariners No. 77 of 2024).

16. Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa (Tunnara): Refer to Figure 16

Line joining points 16_A, 16_B and 16_C and the intermediate coastline.

17. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Tal-Fekruna ‒ Outer): Refer to Figure 17

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

18. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Xemxija): Refer to Figure 18    

Line joining points 18_A, 18_B, 18_C and 18_D and the intermediate coastline.

19. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Għajn Rażul – Veċċja Breakwater): Refer to Figure 19

Line joining points 19_A, 19_B, 19_C and 19_D and the intermediate coastline and line joining points 19_E, 19_F, 19_G and 19_H and the intermediate coastline.

The area between the imaginary line 19_E and 19_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.

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

Line joining points 20_A, 20_B, 20_C, 20_D and 20_E and the intermediate coastline, the line joining points 20_F, 20_G, 20_H and the intermediate coastline and the line joining points 20_I, 20_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.

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

Line joining points 21_A, 21_B and 21_C and the intermediate coastline to the southeast of this line and line joining points 21_D, 21_E and 21_F and the intermediate coastline to the southwest of this line.

22. Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar, Buġibba (opposite Dolmen Hotel): Refer to Figure 22

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

23. Qawra: Refer to Figure 23                       

Lines joining points 23_A, 23_B, 23_C, 23_D and 23_E, and the intermediate coastline.

24. Il-Bajja tas-Salina: Refer to Figure 24

Line joining points 24_A, 24_B, 24_C and 24_D and the intermediate coastline of this line.

25. Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite Suncrest Hotel): Refer to Figure 25

Line joining points 25_A, 25_B, 25_C, 25_D, 25_E and 25_F and the intermediate coastline of this line.

26. Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite ex Coastline Hotel): Refer to Figure 26    

Line joining points 26_A and 26_B and the intermediate coastline to the southeast.

27. Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ : Refer to Figure 27

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

28. Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ (San Ġiljan): Refer to Figure 28

Line joining points 28_A, 28_B and 28_C and the intermediate coastline.

29. Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ (opposite Marina Hotel): Refer to Figure 29

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

30. Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ (West of Dragunara Point): Refer to Figure 30    

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

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

Line joining points 31_A, 31_B, 31_C and 31_D and the intermediate coastline.

32. Il-Bajja tal-Balluta ‒ Il-Bajja ta' San Ġiljan: Refer to Figure 32

Line joining points 32_A, 32_B, 32_C and 32_D and the intermediate coastline as shown on chart E on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

33. Il-Bajja ta' Spinola (Balluta Bay): Refer to Figure 33

Line joining points 33_A and 33_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

34. Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (Tas-Sliema): Refer to Figure 34

Line joining points 34_A, 34_B, 34_C, 34_D and 34_E and the intermediate coastline of this line and the line joining points 34_F, 34_G and 34_H and the intermediate coastline south of this line.

35. Tas-Sliema (Font Għadir): Refer to Figure 35

Line joining points 35_A, 35_B and 35_C and the intermediate coastline.

36. Għar id-Dud (Sliema): Refer to Figure 36

Line joining points 36_A and 36_B and the intermediate coastline of this line.

37. Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (Waterpolo Pitch): Refer to Figure 37

Line joining points 37_A, 37_B, 37_C, 37_D and 37_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.

38. Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (opposite ex Jerma Hotel): Refer to Figure 38

The lines joining the points 38_A, 38_B, 38_C, 38_D and 38_E and the intermediate coastline.

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

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

40. Il-Bajja ta' San Tumas (inner): Refer to Figure 40

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

41. Marsaxlokk: Refer to Figure 41

Line joining points 41_A, 41_B, 41_C, 41_D and 41_E and the intermediate coastline of this line.

42. Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Qajjenza): Refer to Figure 42

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

43. Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (San Ġorġ): Refer to Figure 43

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

44. Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Pretty Bay): Refer to Figure 44

Line joining points from 44_A (southern most part of old breakwater jetty), 44_B and 44_C (the southeast part of the waterpolo pitch) and the intermediate coastline.

45. Il-Bajja tal-Ġnejna: Refer to Figure 45

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

46. Ir-Ramla ta' Għajn Tuffieħa: Refer to Figure 46

Line joining points 46_A 46_B and 46_C and the intermediate coastline to the southeast of this line.

47. Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Sands): Refer to Figure 47

Line joining points 47_A, 47_B and 47_C and the intermediate coastline to the northeast of this line.

48. Il-Bajja taċ-Ċirkewwa (Paradise Bay): Refer to Figure 48

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

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

On Tuesday, 20th May, 2025 – effective date Tuesday, 20th May, 2025

Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa: Figure 15

Between Tuesday, 20th May, 2025, and Friday, 30th May, 2025 – effective date Tuesday, 20th May, 2025

Ir-Ramla – Gozo: Figure 7

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar – Buġibba (opposite Dolmen Hotel): Figure 22

Il-Qawra: Figure 23

Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite Suncrest Hotel): Figure 25

Il-Bajja tas-Salina (opposite ex Coastline Hotel): Figure 26

Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ (San Ġiljan): Figure 28

Tas-Sliema (Font Għadir): Figure 35

Ir-Ramla ta' Għajn Tuffieħa: Figure 46

Il-Bajja taċ-Ċirkewwa (Paradise Bay): Figure 48

Between Friday, 30th May, 2025 and Wednesday, 4th June, 2025 – effective date Friday, 30th May, 2025

Mġarr ix-Xini – Gozo: Figure 2

Il-Bajja tax-Xlendi – Gozo: Figure 3

Il-Bajja tax-Xwejni – Gozo: Figure 4

Il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar – Gozo: Figure 5

Il-Bajja ta' Marsalforn – Gozo: Figure 6

Il-Bajja ta' Ramla l-Ħamra – Gozo: Figure 7

Il-Bajja ta' San Blas – Gozo: Figure 8

Il-Bajja ta' Ħondoq ir-Rummien – Gozo: Figure 9

Il-Bajja tax-Xatt l-Aħmar– Gozo: Figure 10

Iċ-Ċirkewwa: Figure 13

Il-Bajja tal-Armier: Figure 14

Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa: Figure 15

Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa – It-Tunnara: Figure 16

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Tal-Fekruna ‒ Outer): Figure 17

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Xemxija): Figure 18

Il-Bajja ta' San Pawl il-Baħar (Għajn Rażul – Veċċja Breakwater): Figure 19

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

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

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

Il-Bajja ta' Spinola (Balluta Bay): Figure 33

Ix-Xatt ta' Spinola (Tas-Sliema): Figure 34

Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (Waterpolo Pitch): Figure 37

Il-Bajja ta' Marsaskala (opposite ex Jerma Hotel): Figure 38

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

Il-Bajja ta' San Tumas (inner): Figure 40

Marsaxlokk: Figure 41

Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Qajjenza): Figure 42

Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (San Ġorġ): Figure 43

Il-Bajja ta' Birżebbuġa (Pretty Bay): Figure 44

Il-Bajja tal-Ġnejna: Figure 45

Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Sands): Figure 47

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 20 metres from the swimmers' zone mentioned in this Local Notice to Mariners, except for the ones at Mġarr ix-Xini (figure 2) and Il-Bajja tax-Xlendi (figure 3) where the safety distance is 5 metres, is to be maintained at all times, therefore no vessel is allowed to enter these safety zones.

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.