Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,612 of 27th March 2026

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that oceanographic investigative surveys will be carried out between Malta and Sicily.

These investigative surveys will be carried out by the vessel 'RV Gaia Blu' and her ancillary equipment.

Weather permitting, the survey is planned to commence on Friday, 10th April, 2026, and is expected to be completed by Monday, 27th April, 2026.

The investigative surveys will be held within the area formed by joining the points A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, as shown on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

Since the vessel will be towing different types of equipment and may at times be stationary, she will be restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

Appropriate signals in accordance with the Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at sea (Colregs) and the International Code of Signals, will be exhibited accordingly.

Mariners are instructed to navigate with caution and to maintain a safe distance of 0.75 Nautical Miles from the vessel 'RV Gaia Blu' when it is detected or sighted.

All vessels are to comply with any instructions given on VHF Channel 16.

Charts affected: BA 2123, 2124, 2537, 2538