Breathalyzer tests for boat drivers

A committee will be set up later this year to draft amendments to the law including minimum fines for sea-related offences, the Minister for Transport and Communications, Austin Gatt, said yesterday as he launched a Safety at Sea campaign.

A breathalyzer test will be introduced for boat drivers this year and police patrols on sea and land will be beefed up, Police Commissioner John Rizzo said.

The Malta Maritime Authority (MMA) and the ministry have identified 27 swimming zones where no moorings will be allowed.

An information campaign is being prepared to inform all 18,000 registered boat owners about the new regulations.

The Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici said the campaign is based on common sense and the need to instil a sense of order, in light of an increased number of boats.

"These are not free-for-all zones where anyone can do what they like," he said, emphasising the need to observe speed limits, ensure that boats are registered and do not enter swimmer zones.

The police will be keeping an eagle eye to curb theft, vandalism and indecency on the beaches.