Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546262
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 21 AUGUST 2026 NEWS Divers urged to stay vigilant as Transport Malta warns boaters over collision risks Transport Malta issues reminder to mariners to exercise caution around divers and diving operations, stressing the importance of maintaining safe distances and reducing speed TRANSPORT Malta has issued a reminder to mariners to exer- cise caution around divers and diving operations, stressing the importance of maintaining safe distances and reducing speed. The authority said boat oper- ators should remain vigilant at all times and use all available means to avoid the risk of col- lision. Where an "A" (Alpha) flag, or other signals indicating the presence of a diver in the wa- ter, are displayed, vessels are required to keep a safe distance and proceed at a low speed. Transport Malta also point- ed to the use of surface marker buoys (SMBs), delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs) and other diving-related flags as in- dicators that diving operations are taking place. A recommended distance of 100 metres should be main- tained from such operations. The authority also reminded operators that the maximum speed for small vessels is 10 knots inside ports and within certain distances of the coast. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, Trans- port Malta said. Gozo a major diving destination The reminder is particularly relevant around Gozo, which has a wide range of popular dive sites attracting divers throughout the year. Nine sites are spread along Gozo's coastline, offering a variety of underwater expe- riences, including the Blue Hole and Inland Sea tunnel at Dwejra, as well as four pur- pose-scuttled wrecks lying side by side off Għajnsielem. Other notable sites include the Reqqa Point drift and the Xlendi wall and tunnel, giving divers a mix of reefs, walls, tunnels, wrecks and drift dives. Gozo offers a remarkable variety of diving experiences along its coastline, with dive sites ranging from dramatic underwater walls and tunnels to wrecks and natural forma- tions. With boats, diving vessels and recreational craft shar- ing Malta and Gozo's coastal waters, Transport Malta's re- minder underlines the impor- tance of recognising diving markers and giving divers suf- ficient space to operate safely. A recommended distance of 100 metres should be maintained from such operations (File photo)