Another person lost his life on Saturday 1 September while scuba diving.

It is of utmost importance that the authority issuing licences to sub-aqua diving schools and outlets ensures the following:

1. Publish a report on each accident to ensure that where deficiencies are traced, remedies are sought immediately. Deaths and other natural causes should be excluded but people are to be made aware of the dangers that exist in this hobby.

2. That the cylinders and fittings being used are in accordance with TPED Directive 1999/38/EC (LN331 of 2002). The directive is intended to remove technical variances with the EU States. It is also mandatory and without exception on the cylinders and fittings that can be put legally on the market anywhere within the EU States.

3. That the products being filled in the cylinders conform to European pharmacopoeia or standard 68-284 of the Ministry of Defence for Compressed Breathing Gases for Aircraft, Diving and Marine Life Support applications.

4. Laboratory tests are to be supported by certificates from an appointed notified body.

5. Further accidents may happen in the future unless the Malta Tourism Authority, which issues the licences to sub-aqua schools and outlets, does not take appropriate action so that such accidents would be reduced if not eliminated. Otherwise, this important sector of the tourism industry may suffer.

Do not take more unnecessary risks.

Tarcisio Mifsud

Chief Executive Officer

Poligas Limited