Malta is well known as a diving destination as it is probably the most attractive resort in the Mediterranean enjoying warm seas, an excellent safety record and some of the most enchanting dive sites around – all within easy distance.
The death of two divers recently has again triggered debate about the safety of diving as a sport. A 58-year-old Bulgarian, who was diving with a group of 10 other Bulgarians, died last Tuesday just under Ta’ Fra Ben in Qawra.
Three weeks earlier, a 61-year old man of foreign nationality died after finding himself in difficulties while swimming off Valletta. It is, however, pertinent to point out that as with every sport, the risk of other factors, such as heart attacks, is as much a consideration in diving as it is in climbing, or jogging.
One must also bear in mind, that according to international standards, any qualified diver is free to hire or fill up his own cylinder at any dive shop, providing he or she is in possession of proper documentation and is certified to be in good health. That same diver can then head off to any dive site and enjoy it, provided he has a buddy.
An instructor working for one of the leading diving centres in Malta, who preferred to remain anonymous, stressed when speaking to this newspaper that “contrary to what many people say, diving is one of the easiest, most comfortable and relaxing sports to practice. The sport with the highest amount of deaths and injuries per year is, in actual fact horse riding,” he said.
“Unfortunately, few bat an eyelid when someone dies in a traffic accident, but when a diving death occurs, we hear of people urging authorities to limit dives or to ban diving in certain areas around Malta and Gozo. There is no need for this,” he said.
Safety while diving
Elaborating on the golden rules for diving safety he added that all divers, irrespective of qualification or experience, should never dive without a buddy.
Moreover, divers are always encouraged when planning a dive to become familiar with the underwater area and its dangers, and to be aware of local tides and currents.
“Fundamentally, never panic under water. If you become confused or afraid during a dive, stop, try to relax and seek help from your dive buddy or instructor. Another crucial point is to make sure that your diving equipment is working well. Never drink alcohol before diving and never dive while taking medicine unless your doctor tells you it is safe”.
The diving industry in Malta continues to develop from what was previously a niche market into a very important one for the islands’ tourism industry.
A spokeswoman for the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) told this newspaper that Malta’s diving attractions attracted around 57,000 tourists in 2010, the bulk of whom hailed from the UK (13,500), followed by Italy (11,900), Germany (6,800) the Nordic Countries (5,400), Spain (4,900), France (4,100), Ireland (1,700), Belgium (1,000) and the Netherlands (800).
Most divers who come to Malta stay for approximately 10 days and statistics show that the average diver spends more money than the average tourist.
The spokeswoman emphasised that the MTA carries out regular checks on all diving centres in Malta.
“Those that provide the services of diving have met the necessary criteria to qualify to supply this service. Diving centres generally organise guided or organised dives, training dives while some just rent out diving equipment. The MTA does periodic inspections of dive centres to ensure best practice and conformity with regulations.
“Those responsible for organising dives have to follow a number of standards to ensure the safety of the client in accordance with international diving regulations. The hiring out of equipment for individual diving can only be done to divers bearing an advanced open water certificate.
“In addition, service providers have to have well maintained equipment, perform risk assessments of dive sites and ensure that the client is fit to dive. All this is supported by documentation.
“The diver, however, must always take all the necessary precautions and follow the required procedures to prevent harm to himself as well as to his fellow divers. Diving is not considered to be a high risk sport as long as rules are rigorously followed”.
New attractions and current facilities
The MTA is currently drafting a Diving Master Plan for Malta and Gozo. The plan, after consultation with local stakeholders, is expected to be published by the end of this summer season. However, it must also be borne in mind that diving is a yearlong activity. According to the new plan, a new wreck is expected to be scuttled off Exiles point, to add to the wealth of diving wrecks in Malta. The wreck is a derelict Bremse Class AFM Patrol Boat. An impact assessment will be carried out and once the hulk is made diver friendly, and all anti-foulings and oils are removed, it will be scuttled. The new wreck will be the first to be sunk since the P-31 just off Comino in shallow waters at 17 metres, sister ship of the P-29, which lies off Cirkewwa.
But local divers are still crying out for more facilities. Many believe that while decent jobs have been done to improve facilities at Cirkewwa and Zurrieq (the Um el-Faroud), more needs to be done. The MTA, on the other hand, explains that even the most minimal of foreshore works, Mepa approval is needed. An official explained: “Works to a foreshore are subject to the most stringent of Mepa conditions, which is why they are minimalistic.”
The diving community appreciates this fact, however, many have been pushing for the simplest of temporary structures to provide some shade for divers who kit up. Putting 20 kilogrammes worth of equipment in a rubber suit in 40 degrees Celsius is not pleasant and can also lead to problems such as heat exhaustion or fainting.
Divers have also called for more reserved parking bays of dive trucks, such as the one in Cirkewwa, which many believe is a model for the way forward. Divers are also calling for ‘pay-to-use’ water hoses to rinse themselves and their equipment off after a dive.
One of the next sites which the MTA has recognised needs attention, is the Il-Foss area in relation to the HMS Maori – a WWII wreck. The site is dilapidated and unsafe, with the entry point railing coming off its housing and an abundant covering of algae on the walkway which has caused a fair few divers to fall and injure themselves, some even damaging expensive equipment. The MTA is committed to the site and has pledged to improve it, after it was established to be the fourth most popular wreck in Malta after the Faroud, P-29 and the Rozie.
The MTA is also understood to be entertaining requests by the Gozitan dive schools and clubs, to sink another wreck on the sister island. So far, Gozo only has the Xatt l-Ahmar site for wrecks, which includes the Cominoland and the Karwela. The Xlendi, which was scuttled some years ago, was one of the first attempts at creating a wreck site, but the site is dangerous as the ship drifted while sinking and ended up lying on its side, deeper than it should have gone. The structure has also been compromised.
Recreational wrecks in Malta and Gozo
Um el Faroud - Zurrieq
P-29 – Cirkewwa
MV Rozie – Cirkewwa
HMS Maori – Valletta
X-Lighter – Manoel Island
P-31 – Comino
Tugs – Marsaskala
MV Lady Davinia – Sliema ferries
Beaufighter aircraft – Exiles point
MV Karwela - Gozo (Xatt l-Ahmar)
MV Cominoland – Gozo (Xatt l-Ahmar)
MV Xlendi (Gozo, dangerous)
Other popular dives
Ghar Lapsi
Tuna pen dives
Sliema Reef
Zurrieq Reef
Billinghurst Cave
Comino Caves
Blue Hole
Ras San Dimitri