Concerns are being raised that children are handling potentially harmful spearfishing guns after licensing requirements for the sport were removed.

The licence, which used to ensure speargun users were over 18 and had been vetted by the police, was withdrawn in February 2013, just weeks before the general election. It formed part of the amendments to the Arms Act.

Fishing supply sellers and aficionados contacted by this newspaper voiced concern that the move had effectively done away with most of the controls over the potentially dangerous sport.

And although some businesses have taken it upon themselves to refuse to sell to minors, others would sell them the guns as long as an adult accompanied the young buyers.

When it comes to younger speargun owners, they are often trigger-happy, and, much like hunters, are more likely to commit illegalities

“This has become like buying a knife from a shop, the difference is that these aren’t just knives. They can be very dangerous if not used properly,” avid spear fisherman Kenneth Bugeja told Times of Malta.

Mr Bugeja explained that the equipment required a certain level of training and caution.

“Although anyone can buy a spearfishing gun these days, it’s not something that anyone should be able to use. It can be dangerous if put in the wrong hands,” he warned.

Mr Bugeja’s views were shared by several business owners who said they had taken it upon themselves to bar minors from purchasing the sub-aquatic rifles.

Fishing equipment retailer Matthew Spiteri said he was refusing to sell the weapons to those under 18.

Another retailer, Janice Xuereb, said she was exercising the same sort of discretion she would expect a domestic appliance retailer to use.

“You wouldn’t just sell a set of knives or large gardening shears to a child. You could, but you wouldn’t. This is the same thing. It’s not right to give a child a crossbow, the same is true of spearguns,” she said, adding that she personally disagreed with the licence removal.

Another store owner who asked not to be named said he had turned away a number of youths, some as young as 13, who had come by his shop asking for different guns in recent weeks.

“We could have sold to them but it would be unethical,” he said.

Not all the retailers were turning business away. Instead, a number of stores contacted by this newspaper said they would sell the guns to minors as long as an adult accompanied the young buyers. One business owner, who also requested to remain anonymous, said he had adopted a policy of asking clients for their identity card to verify the purchasers’ age.

Another outlet contacted by this newspaper under the guise of purchasing a gun for a minor, said it would have no problem selling the speargun to an adult who would then hand it over to a 15-year-old.

The store owner, however, urged this newspaper to “keep an eye” on the youngster when using the gun out at sea.

Another store contacted by this newspaper posing as a 15-year-old, said it would sell a 75cm gun as long as an adult was present.

Most of the retailers contacted said the licence used to serve as a deterrent against bad behaviour.

“If you used a speargun where you shouldn’t, for instance, you could risk losing your licence and having your gun confiscated. When the licence was mandatory, users would be more careful because they would otherwise run the risk of having the gun confiscated,” Ms Xuereb said.

Marine biologist Alan Deidun also expressed concerns over the licence removal.

The specialist in marine conservation called for basic training programmes to be introduced, especially for young spearfishermen and beginners.

“When it comes to younger speargun owners, they are often trigger-happy, and much like hunters, are more likely to commit illegalities. They need guidance,” he said, adding that if properly practised, spearfishing was one of the most selective forms of fishing.