Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,236 of 3rd May 2024

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and the general public that repair work will be carried out on a slipway at Il-Bajja tax-Xlendi, Gozo.

The works will start on Monday, 6th May, 2024, and should be completed by Sunday, 12th May, 2024.

A silt curtain will be laid along the line A and B, as shown on the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

These works will be carried out by scuba divers who will be displaying the International Code of Signals Flag 'A', while works are being carried out.

Due to the above, the slipways mentioned above, and the adjacent side of the jetty will not be accessible while the works are being carried out. The other side of the jetty will not be affected and can be used normally.

Mariners and owners of vessels are to proceed at very low speed (no wake) when navigating close to the area, they are to keep at least 10m away from the silt curtain and are to co-operate with the contractor on site.

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 211

Reference is made to Local Notice to Mariners No. 26 of 2024

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and owners of vessels that due to adverse weather conditions the Malta International Fireworks Festival final display was not held on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024 but will now be held on Friday, 3rd May, 2024.

On Friday, 3rd May, 2024

The Grand Harbour will be closed to traffic from 8.45 p.m. to 11.15 p.m., while the display will commence at 9.00 p.m. and terminate at 11.15 p.m.

Due to the above, Il-Bajja tar-Rinella is to be kept clear up to Saturday, 4th May, 2024, at 11.59 p.m.

Local Notice to Mariners No. 26 of 2024 is to be amended accordingly.

All the other information mentioned in Local Notice to Mariners No. 26 of 2024 will remain valid.

Chart affected: BA 177

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that the Malta-Italy Bilateral Exercise (Barracuda 2024) will be carried out within the Maltese Territorial Waters.

The exercise will be carried out by personnel from the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), the Italian Coast Guard (ITCG), Transport Malta (TM) and other Government and private entities. The exercise is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 7th May, and Wednesday, 8th May, 2024.

The exercise will simulate various scenarios including a mass rescue operation, boarding a vessel, and evacuating personnel by helicopter. A pollution response operation will also be simulated and will involve the use of booms and various vessels.

The exercise on Tuesday, 7th May, 2024, is expected to commence at 8.00 a.m. and be completed by 3.00 p.m.; while on Wednesday, 8th May, 2024, it is expected to commence at 6.30 a.m. and be completed by 4.00 p.m.

During the exercise the VHF Channel 20, Channel 67, channel 73 and Channel 74 will be used to communicate between the participating vessels and ground control. It is being requested that the above-mentioned channels are kept free, on both days throughout the entire exercise.

The exercises are to be carried out in any of the following three locations, as can be seen on the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

The use of drones during the exercise is also possible.

Mariners are to take note of the time and location of these exercise and are to navigate with caution if operating in the area.  When any of the vessels engaged in the Exercise are spotted, they are to be given a wide berth of at least 1NM from the participating vessels.

They are to comply with any instructions issued on VHF channel 69 Malta VTS and by AFM craft patrolling the area.

Charts affected: BA 194, 2537, 2538, 36.