A total of 119 fines were issued at sea by Transport Malta throughout the months of May, June and July 2017, according to figures distributed by Transport Malta this morning.

The figures were given during a news conference held by Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Ian Borg, in the launch of a road and sea safety campaign. The campaign presented single-use, disposable breathalysers which will be available for free to the public, in order to increase awareness and reduce excessive drinking on the road and whilst at sea.

Pierre Vella, Malta Road Safety Council Consultant at Transport Malta informed those present that the campaign has been raising awarenesss for safety on roads, whilst being available at public places for the past two years ago, and is now turning its attention to focus on sea safety.

Borg stated that enforcement at sea is of equal importance to enforcing road safety. He said that summer is a period in the year where more awareness should be raised regarding the topic due to the increased amount of drinking at village feasts, weddings and parties. 

Throughout the past three months, there were 270 inspections at sea by Transport Malta patrol ribs, the figures showed.. From these inspections, 119 fines and 85 warnings were given, whilst 66 sea vehicles were in order.   Over-speeding was the man breach reported, were 73 fines and 80 warnings were given. Other breeches, including non-registered vehicles, berthed in a prohibited area, no markings, no nautical license, expired vessel registration, vessel without registration and vessel entering the swimmers zone, gained a reported 2 or 3 breaches each.

Borg stated that the government aims to reducing the legal alcohol limit for driving to the EU average of 0.5g from Malta's current 0.8g. He also noted that the designated 'swimming zones' have been and are being respected by seafarers.