Responsible yes, accountable no

I refer to the article Safety At Sea (August 31).

At last someone is realising that the increase in the number of speedboats in our waters is creating hazards to bathers and other smaller seacraft.

While at the beach in Exiles, Sliema, I noticed that certain boats enter the bay in a cautious manner while other boats are driven in an irresponsible way. I also notice that the irresponsible boat drivers are normally young adults or teenagers.

Everyone agrees that regulations need to be enforced in view of the number of accidents caused by this activity. Captain Reuben Lanfranco, as director of the Maritime Institute, stated in the report that "enforcement could be stepped up through the services of wardens who may be carrying out duties by the sea. In case of abuse by seacraft the warden could note the registration number of the seacraft and report it to the police". The public, on many occasions after an accident, are also encouraged to report to the police.

But what registration number may I ask? It seems that Capt. Lanfranco is not aware that having the registration number painted in large print on either side of the seacraft has not been enforced for a good number of years. There is not a single speedboat moored in any bay or harbour in Malta bearing the registration number on the side; the photographs carried with the article are clear evidence.

My question is, who is responsible for law enforcement where seacraft are involved: the police, the Malta Maritime Authority or the AFM? As usual in Malta everyone is responsible but no one is accountable.