Transport Malta gets new rigid hulled inflatable boat

In its constant efforts to further enhance safety at sea, Transport Malta (TM) has added a new rigid hulled inflatable boat to its fleet of craft used for law enforcement and to patrol the sea in the summer months.

The boat, launched in Marsascala today, will be manned by TM enforcement officer.

TM CEO Stanley Portelli said that “besides enhancing law enforcement resources, the acquisition of this boat demonstrated TM’s determination to make the sea safer and signalled its intent not to tolerate abuse.

Inspector Alex Miruzzi stressed that it was everyone’s duty to act responsibly when at sea, be it swimmers or boat owners.

“Adherence to basic regulations would greatly help in ensuring an accident-free summer,” he said.

TM also has a similar boat purchased last year and two small dinghies.

Another initiative this year is the introduction of TM personnel as bay co-ordinators at Blue Lagoon, Comino, during peak hours on a daily basis, and at Mellieha Bay during weekends and public holidays.

Dr Portelli said “the role of such co-ordinators is to liaise with boat owners, swimmers and commercial operators to enable the safe mooring and orderly berthing at such popular bays so as to ensure the safety of all.”

This year’s Safety at Sea Campaign has also seen Transport Malta announce the establishment of two new swimmers’ zones, at Ta’ Xbiex and at Marsamxett, close to the waterpolo pitch. These bring the total number of swimmers’ zones in Malta and Gozo to 40.

Swimmers’ area cannot be accessed by seacraft. These zones are marked by yellow and red coloured buoys deployed at 50-metre intervals.

Mechanically propelled sea craft or sailing boats including wind surfers, surf boards and jet-skis are prohibited from navigating in these zones between June 15 and September 30, except for the Blue Lagoon where the restrictions for sea crafts are applicable between May 1 and September 30.

Transport Malta has also increased the number of speed marker buoys to 34. These physically delineate the 200/300 metre buffer zone and highlight the applicable speed limit, namely five or ten knots depending on location.

Now in its 15th year, the Safety at Sea Campaign has experienced constant growth and success among swimmers and boat owners alike.

“The public has recognised that acting cautiously and responsibly when at sea is the best way to avoid accidents that can be fatal.

“There is more to be done and more room for improvement and we can never rest on our laurels. However, with the continuous cooperation from all stakeholders most importantly from the public, we are confident in the growing success of this campaign,” Dr Portelli said.