Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,632 of 28th April 2026

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies all mariners, owners of vessels and bathers that while and until the installation of the physical perimeters delineating the swimmer zones are being carried out and completed, the areas as shown on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) are being reserved for swimmers.

These restrictions shall be in place with immediate effect for each area and until further notice.

No vessels or objects that may endanger the safety of bathers, including any 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. 59 of 2026.

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.

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 referring 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. 75 of 2026                       

10. Il-Bajja ta' Santa Marija, Comino (inner and outer): Refer to Local Notice to Mariners No. 75 of 2026

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.

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 southwest 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. 132 of 2025.

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

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. 132 of 2025.

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, 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.

​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 (St Julian's): 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 (Tas-Sliema): Refer to Figure 36

Line joining points 36_A and 36_B and the intermediate coastline.

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. 132 of 2025.

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.

The area between the imaginary lines joining the points A to B to C to D 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. 132 of 2025.

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.

49. Il-Bajja ta' San Ġorġ (Verdi St George): Refer to Figure 49

Line joining points 49_A, 49_B, 49_C and 49_D and the intermediate coastline of this line.

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 good lookout and navigate with caution and at slow speed at all times when entering the abovementioned locations.

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 of the safety of all bathers and mariners, Transport Malta urges all visitors and commercial vessels to adhere to these arrangements. Enforcement officers will be randomly 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.

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 the 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 the 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 the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

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

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

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

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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 the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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 the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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 the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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 the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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 the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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 the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

PointsLatitude (N)Longitude (E)

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 further notice.

All restricted navigational areas, with the exception of the floating platform, shall be delineated by physical perimeters. Pending the installation and completion of such perimeters, all mariners, vessel owners and bathers are hereby notified that the areas indicated in the charts found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt) shall be kept clear from all vessels and moorings.

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

Charts affected: BA 177, 211, 2537, 2538

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that Triathlon Malta will be organising the swimming event as part of a triathlon in Il-Bajja tas-Salina.

The swims will be held along the course A, B and C as shown on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt),

On Sunday, 3rd May, 2026, between 7.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.

A club RHIB 'S25336' and a number of canoes will be accompanying the participating swimmers.

All mariners are directed to keep well clear of the area and, under no circumstances, are to transit through course A, B and C. For vessels whose moorings are within this area, they are to communicate with RHIB 'S25336' prior to entering or leaving the area and wait to be escorted accordingly.

On the stipulated date and times, mariners are advised to keep a sharp lookout and navigate with extreme caution and at slow speed (no wake) when in the vicinity. They are to cooperate with the organisers.

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.

Charts affected: BA 211, 2537 and 2538

Reference is made to BA Chart 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) in the following position:

Latitude (N)Longitude (E)

35º 55'.490                 14º 29'.850

Mentioned in Notice to Mariners No. 6 of 2026, it has been re-established and is functioning properly.

Notice to Mariners No. 6 of 2026 is hereby cancelled