Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,506 of 16th September 2025

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, would like to remind mariners and owners of vessels that it is a legal requirement under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs) for all vessels to display the appropriate navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

For vessels at anchor, the following apply 'COLREGs Rule 30 ‒ Anchored vessels and vessels aground'.

a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball,

ii)  at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light;

b) A vessel of less than 50 metres in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule;

c) A vessel of less than 7 metres in length, when at anchor (or moored), not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights.

Rule 30 and related requirements are to be adopted by vessels moored within an organised mooring area.

Failure to display the correct lights endangers not only your own vessel but others around you and significantly increases the risk of collision. Other lights such as flashing lights or unauthorised colour lights are strictly forbidden.

​Transport Malta will be undertaking random patrols throughout the year to monitor the use of navigation lights and reserve the right to issue fines to mariners and owners of vessels who do not comply with the COLREGs.

Charts Affected: BA 36, 177, 194, 211, 2123, 2124