A campaign for more safety at sea was launched today by the Ministry of Transport and Transport Malta.

The summer season in Malta brings with it an influx of people making use of our coast to spend some time at sea, so it is important that we enjoy the sea in an appropriate manner without posing danger to ourselves or others, Minister Aaron Farrugia said at the launch,

The main aim of this campaign, entitled  Fuq il-Baħar, Moħħok Hemm (While at sea, be careful) is to raise awareness on how to practice safety at sea—particularly during the summer season.

Minister Farrugia said that while education is important, proper enforcement ensures that rules are being adhered to. Here he thanked the TM Maritime Enforcement Officers who work tirelessly, especially during the summer season, to keep Malta’s seas safe, as much of this work brings with it long hours away from family and working in hot weather conditions. The Minister reiterated that the government is committed to working on every level to increase safety and security, and remarked that responsible behaviour is as essential at sea as it is on land.

This year’s campaign shall focus on the following:

1) The use of life jackets

2) The proper use of malls and slipways

3) Notices to Mariners

4) Fairways

5) Waste management at sea

6) Playing music at sea

7) Excessive velocity

8) The proper use of swimmer designated zones

9) Mooring of boats

10) The transportation of boats on a carriage

11) The proper use of kill chord

12) The cleaning of boats. 

This event was also addressed by the Director for Maritime Enforcement within TM Patrick Pollacco, and was attended by Deputy CEO Kevin Farrugia and Enforcement Directorate Manager Rudolph Muscat together with a number of officials for maritime enforcement.