The Malta Maritime Authority has introduced penalties that may be imposed for violation of regulations involving small vessels and mechanically driven boats, including jet skis, while updating other existing penalties.

The revised list includes fines that vary from €4,660 to €11,640 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months for failing to be covered with adequate insurance policy, fines for driving with excessive speed in any harbour or closer than 300m from a sandy beach or closer than 200m from a rocky beach (€600), polluting the sea with excessive exhaust emissions or fuel spills (€200), water skiing in prohibited areas (€1,000) and driving under the influence of alcohol (€1,000).

The regulations also include hefty fines for those failing to notify the MMA’s small ships registry of any documentation changes such as details of certificate of registration or failing to notify the Authority of a transfer of ownership.

"The new regulations will establish more control at sea, for the safety of all people enjoying the swimmers' zone but also for boat owners who want to enjoy their time in a responsible way," a spokesman for the Authority said.

He added that the Authority was preparing recommendations on ways to improve the organization and enforcement of regulations on beaches, swimmers' zones and the areas outside the zones. Once adopted, these measures would be implemented before next summer.