The Faculty of Science at the University of Malta announced that an intake is in progress for a short course (1 Semester – Part-time one a week in the evenings) in Marine Biology. Persons with no University background in the past but a keen interest in the marine evironment will find this interesting and eye-opening. Read More
Update Tuesday 08/10/2024 at 08:30 316 Representations sent, more than 75% from local divers, but a sizeable amount also from non-local but frequently visiting divers. Thanks for your support and interest in your own access to this diving site. We saw some comments against boat operators and fishermen, which should not be the case. It Read More
The Sunday Times of Malta reported that a Hyperbaric Consultant was “to face criminal charges for involuntary homicide” in relation to the death of Krzysztof Białecki’s death at 43 years of age in what was a dark day for diving in the Maltese Islands. Krzysztof was in fact the second victim of a dive gone Read More
Timesofmalta.com reports that Police announced that a 51 year old Polish diver was hospitalised in a serious condition following a dive at Xatt l-Aħmar, a shore dive location in Gozo. The location has four shore accessible artificial reefs, with their maximum depths ranging between 35 to 46m. A diver was hospitalised on Tuesday after finding Read More
The Times of Malta reports today that the Hyperbaric chamber consultant who had been in charge of treating Polish diver Krzysztof Białecki who died in July this year has been suspended pending an internal investigation launched by the Hospital. The claim is made that during the diver’s treatment, the Consultant left had left the Hyperbaric Read More
The main shore accessible Conservation Areas around Wrecks are now off limits to any boating activity save for diving support vessels, and exclude trolling fishing from continuing in these sites. A new notice to mariners published today addresses the safety concern that freedivers and scuba divers have been raising over the years! Thanks to TM Read More
Sharklab-Malta are invited the general diving public to participate in an international initiative aimed at gathering vital information about sharks, skates and rays around the world by utilizing citizen science, whilst raising conservation awareness about the importance of these creatures in our oceans. We are emailing you to raise awareness of an event called the Read More
One of our followers brought this article to our attention, an interview with Professor Timothy Gambin giving an overview of the history, present and future for underwater cultural heritage (including the many wrecks) around the Maltese Islands. The direct link to the article is https://indepthmag.com/a-dive-into-maltas-underwater-cultural-heritage-with-maritime-archeologist-timmy-gambin/, or follow the Facebook post below.
Over the last few days, two sightings were reported of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, a highly endangered species which had not been seen in Malta for decades! In the first sighting out at sea, the seal was just spotted coming up for air, whilst in the second sighting, the seal was spotted in a cavern Read More
Local media has shared the sad news that two Polish divers, 45 and 48 years old died after finding themselves in difficulty during a dive on the Le Polynesien, a World War 1 Wreck a few kilometres outside of the town of Marsaskala. Press & Police reports Timesofmalta.com initially shared a press release by the Read More
On 3 July 2024, Transport Malta has replaced the former Notice 062 of 2024 – Safe distance and speed from diver flags signals with Notice 069 of 2024 – Safe Distance and speed from Diver Flag signals. In a nutshell, the notice states that: (correction: a previous version of this post stated that speed limits Read More
NTM 64 of 2024 – Filming in the North of Malta issued by Transport Malta between 11 and 31 July. Sites include Ċirkewwa South Quay, Ras il-Qammieħ and other site nor frequently visited by divers.Distance required during filming and no anchoring. https://www.transport.gov.mt/maritime/notices-to-mariners-coastal/local-notice-to-mariners-2336
The Malta Ranger Unit has launched a reporting portal for reporting environmental crimes which may be monitored by the unit and bring in to the attention of relevant authorities. This can include marine littering and illegal activities in marine protected areas. The reporting portal, available at https://malta-ranger-unit.atlassian.net/…/customer/portals lets you register and follow your cases. However, Read More
The Malta Ranger Unit recently posted on social media another case of illegal spearfishing at night, this time at Slugs Bay, limits of Mellieha It’s the law. No matter how much spearfishing can be a selective fishing practice, at night with lights it is illegal. Same goes with spearfishing with SCUBA at any time. Want Read More
Ambjent Malta is advertising free snorkel tours open for adults. Details below In English: Join us for an educational snorkeling tour to discover the diverse marine habitats in our Marine Protected Areas at Golden Bay and Riviera.This activity is free of charge and open for all the family members above the age of 18 years. Read More
The Institute of Tourism Studies has announced the next intake for the Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management for which interested candidates may join on a Full-time or Part-time basis. More information from the below links. Full -time: https://its.edu.mt/course?course_code=UG-DSM Part -time: https://its.edu.mt/course?course_code=PT6DSM Courses begin on 30th September 2024
Over the last few weeks, Sharklab-Malta with the assistance of many local volunteer divers and photographers has carried out surveys around the Marine Protected Area around the small island of Filfla. 35 years after being declared the first Marine Protected Area in the Maltese Archipelago, what were the results? Join Sharklab-Malta and the other volunteers Read More
We received the follow call by a local researcher who is carrying out a survey related to wreck diving by tourists in the Maltese Islands. Glad to help Shaun I’m Shaun Cardona, currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Diving Safety Management at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Malta. For my thesis, I am conducting Read More
Transport Malta has announced in Notice to Mariners 047 of 2024 that restrictions may be occur on South quay usage due to survey on some day(s) between this Friday and the Thursday after.
The Malta Police Force announced today that sadly a diver died at Dwejra, Gozo. The cause or reason for the incident was not provided in the press release by the Police. A photo on social media indicated that the diver was brought in at the inland sea dive site, where paramedics attempted to assist the Read More
Transport Malta announced in a local notice to mariners No. 033 of 2024 a total of 17 sites reserved for swimmers, in which fishing and/or marine vessel navigation is not allowed. These sites are to be cordoned off with ropes and floating markers. The notice to mariners is attached below, and includes both GPS points Read More
Is a ladder rickety or missing? Any dangers that someone could do something about? Are you noticing illegal activities on site? Do you have a suggestion to improve the diving facilities on site? Or on the positive side: Something well done that you would like to let others know, like addition / change of ladders Read More
In a notice published in the government gazette of the 22 March 2024, the Environment and Resources Authority declared Fessej Rock, located just under the South shore of Gozo, east of the exit of Mgarr ix-Xini as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of National Importance. This SAC therefore now falls under the remit of Read More
As part of our continued chasing to ensure that the 2022 Diving strategy does not meet the fate of the 2012 one (mainly forgotten), we keep an eye on developments and prod sometimes to ask for updates. Whilst answers from the Malta Tourism Authority have not been forthcoming, rather, quite the opposite, questions made in Read More
Transport Malta has issued Notice to Mariners 024 of 2024 advising of filming being carried out on Saturday 6 April 2024 at Marfa Breakwater and Għajn Żejtuna (a quay near Mellieħa bay – Santa Maria Estate zone), with alternatives at Fekruna Quay, Xemxija if weather is unfavourable. Mooring operations may be affected, so please plan Read More
The Cirkewwa Marine Park management has announced that next week works will start on the demolition and eventual replacement of the Lantern at the Cirkewwa Marine Park. During these works over the coming three days (1 – 3 April), for safety reasons, diving underneath the lantern general area is not recommended. The bathrooms during this Read More
The tragic death of a 45 year old diver at the Cirkewwa Marine Park on Tuesday 26 March 2024, which could have been worse had another 17 divers not been rescued or assisted in the rough seas at Cirkewwa has triggered plenty of discussions. Whilst initially some (including us) would have thought things just went Read More
Media announced that following a rescue operation at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park diving site, in the north of Malta, one diver was reported dead on arrival at hospital whilst another 17 were rescued with no critical injuries. Later in the day, news reports were updated with the information that the deceased diver is a 45 Read More
Newsbook reports today that the Environment and Resources Authority together with the police caught a diver with over 1,000 protected sea urchins in his possession off Zonqor Point, Marsascala. Sea Urchins have last summer been subject of a two-year harvesting moratoria, after a study carried out in 2019 revealed a miniscule amount of sea urchins Read More
Transport Malta announced in a coastal notice to mariners that starting next week over six days an underwater video survey will be carried out in waters around the Maltese Islands. The unnamed entity seems to be planning to cover a lot of ground, as the map provided in the local notice to mariners appears HUGE! Read More
After a winter during which several sites suffered from ladder washouts, we’re glad to share the news (shared originally by our friends in Gozo) that several ladders have been re-installed over the last week by Eco-Gozo & Gozo Maintenance Department workers. We share below some of the pictures & posts. We thank all those who Read More
Transport Malta has announced in a Coastal Notice to Mariners 9 of 2024 that surveys will be conducted between the 15 March 2024 and 15 December 2024 in zones to the west and south of the Maltese islands. Fingers crossed and we hope that these surveys result in some interesting findings! The Notice to Mariners Read More
The Malta International Airport Foundation has released another of its series of documentaries about the underwater landscapes and wrecks of the Maltese Islands, this time on the HMS Maori Wreck. The documentary covers both the history behind the wreck, scuttled in situ after the end of WW2, as well as a very small selection of Read More
Transport Malta has recently announced Local Notice to Mariners number 017 of 2024. The annual notice states that sightings of Dolphins, Whales, Turtles, Sharks, Rays, Jellyfish blooms and other alien species seen or caught during fishing may be reported to Professor Adriana Vella of the University of Malta, whose contact details are published on the Read More
Discern group are organising an international workshop in Underwater Photography in Malta between July 7 and 12, 2024. This is their description of this workshop: Together with the Malta Photographic Society (MPS), we are organising an International WORKSHOP Underwater Photography in Malta between July 07-12, 2024. We created this workshop with the intention of reaching as many underwater Read More
As of Saturday 9 March 2024, 90 protest emails were sent – join them – read the below! Edit: a previous verison of this post had the Minister’s answer to the second question pasted incorrectly. Most divers were baffled with the unbelievable U-turn on fishing in conservation zones around wrecks which we reported on last Read More
The Malta Freediving Club has just launched its summer 2024 planner. You an either save it or look for the next even on our events calendar. Wish you lots of great and safe dives!
In parallel with the protests being sent to the Minister for Fisheries for allowing fishing (trolling) in conservation areas around wrecks (for which almost 80 of you have joined), we have submitted the following letter last Sunday the 3 March to the Occupational Health & Safety Authority (OHSA). The letter calls for the OHSA to Read More
The storm (or well, the rain) of today has resulted in the dirt path to the entry point at Xatt l-Aħmar, Gozo, to be washed out, making it hard to arrive to unless you’re driving in a 4×4. A notification was sent to authorities, as well as a reminder on a suggestion we sent in Read More
Today Infrastructure Malta announced roadworks in the last couple of kilometres before arriving to the Ċirkewwa Marine Park. The works appear to intend to widen / remove bottlenecks for vehicles heading north to the Ferry Terminal. This will no doubt also affect divers heading for the Ferry. Infrastructure Malta’s statement states that works should be Read More
We’ve recently been contacted by two different local divers who are currently organising trips for local divers to other spots in the world. We love our diving environment but like everything, sometimes you want to diversify a bit 🙂 And if you don’t know any of the divers going for these trips, there’s plenty of Read More
Today, the Civil Protection Department inaugurated new quarters for its marine section. The marine section includes within it as well the rescue divers group, which some of you might have met in last year’s Divers for Puttinu event where they showed off their search and rescue equipment and chatted along with quite a lot of Read More
The renowned Forbes magazine recently announced (https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2024/02/07/best-places-to-visit-in-europe-in-2024-marbella-tops-list-by-european-best-destinations/) its top 20 European destinations for this year. Malta received a place on the podium, citing in particular the marine environment and the diving opportunities. Whilst the competition was stiff (we honestly picked up a couple of other places we might wish to visit soon for some relax-time), Read More
The European Commission has sent out warnings to various countries, including Malta for failing to comply with reporting obligations under a directive whose aims with relevance for divers include: “The marine environment is a precious heritage that must be protected, preserved and, where practicable, restored with the ultimate aim of maintaining biodiversity and providing diverse Read More
It’s not an unusual sighting around our coast, but truly, we love Slipper Lobstes too much as they are docile and super-photogenic wither their armor :). Ream more about them here. Thanks to our friend Victor Micallef for sharing the below video of this cutie.
Last month Transport Malta has issued the updated Coastal notice to mariners regarding historical wrecks declared as archaeological zones at sea by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. If you’re a non-diver, or never dived these wrecks, most of these can be seen at https://underwatermalta.org/ To dive these wrecks, which are mainly under 50m depth, one Read More
The infamous U-turn within 2 weeks — Conservation areas become fishing zones AGAIN has inspired our administrator and local diver Daniel Xerri to pen this opinion piece which was published on the last Sunday’s edition of MaltaToday. The online version of the opinion piece may be found here: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/blogs/127205/shillyshallying_on_conservation_areas_endangers_divers_and_damages_industry__agius_and_xerri The diving community is irate at Read More
Local diver Victor Micallef recently shared the following video with some information about the locally occurring Electric Ray. Let’s just say it’s a stunner 🙂 Thanks to Victor for sharing as per below.
The weather of the first full weekend of the year appears to have caused considerable damage to on-land infrastructure at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park and Ferry terminal nearby. Beaufort Force 8 and 9 winds with wind gusts approaching Force 10 and over 4 meters waves caused so much damage, that cars located over 20m away Read More
Now that we have been up and running close to two years, with close to 300 followers on Facebook and a few hundred visitors a month, we wanted to formalise some additional information about the background, scope and direction that this page has been taking. For this reason, we have now added a divinginfo.mt policies Read More
Whilst we were recently checking up on some parliamentary questions that we’re expecting a local MP to raise with regard to issues related to diving around our islands… we could not help but see the following parliamentary question answered in June 2023… and its definitely incorrect answer! The actual wording of the PQ is in Read More
Occasionally we receive contacts in our mailbox which leave a lot of room for thinking.. this is one of them received very recently and whose message should not be ignored. Any further comment is superfluous. Please share this opinion with any authority that might want to listen… and act! If you want to send us Read More
The Department of Biology at the University of Malta is organising a short evening course starting in March 2024 titled Topics in Marine Biology. The course, spread over three months, gives an insight for the curious divers and general public about different facets of the marine environment around us. Highly recommended for those whose careers Read More
An article by Professor Alan Deidun published recently on Timesofmalta.com highlights the emerging awareness of the detrimental effects of underwater noise on marine ecosystems, particularly low-frequency noises from ships in Malta. However, research is still in its early stages, lacking essential data on continuous underwater noise. This deficiency hampers compliance with European agreements, such as Read More
Professor Alan Deidun recently shared on social media a photo and sighting reported by local diving instructor Lewis Mark Sell of a beautiful and unusual Sea Slug – Tethys fimbriae, which according to Prof. Deidun is a native species of the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. More information about this beautiful creature from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethys_fimbria
The below picture was snapped at the Cirkewwa Marine Park on the 1st day of the year, and portrays a Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia Sp.), an infrequent type of jellyfish for our waters. More species information & opportunity to file reports for sightings of such species at www.ocean.mt
For our first article of the year, apart from wishing the diving community all the best, we are also collating a few new year’s resolutions that we would love to see some action on… Ċirkewwa Marine Park This year we expect the long awaited legislative actions to officially declare the Ċirkewwa Marine Park as an Read More
In an unbelievable U-turn within two weeks the Notice to Mariners that banned all forms of navigation in Conservation Areas save for diving support vessels has been reversed. In a new Notice to Mariners 215 of 2023 issued today by Transport Malta on behalf of the Department of Fishes and Aquaculture, the permission for fishing Read More
A bit of humor (verging on tragi-comic) that we came across whilst searching for some information for another article… Back in 2007, an opposition MP managed to mistakenly call the Cirkewwa Marine Park’s first artificial reef, the Tug Boat Rozi as “Roza” when submitting a parliamentary question. The replying Minister, apart from correcting him on Read More
We are reproducing below an email being circulated locally by the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) announcing its participation in a Maltese Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hub. According to information at http://bcthubs.eu: “BCThubs aims to build in the participating Widening countries (i.e. Greece, Bulgaria and Malta), Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hubs, as permanent structures, supporting Read More
A bit of local diving trivia… we came across an answer to a Parliamentary Question given recently where as part of a wider question regarding MTA’s expenditure in Gozo and Comino over the last two years, the Minister for Tourism stated that the largest expense in the period by the MTA was the scuttling of Read More
DiveMed shared the below post which announces the release of the trailer of the movie Starfish Pickle, filmed on and around Malta (though we can’t help noticing some underwater shots from the Indian ocean too in the trailer below). Movie trailer below. You can find information about under movies filmed underwater or around our islands Read More
Update 01/12/2023 — After only two weeks, the below decision was reversed by authorities – read here for more information Finally Transport Malta has updated the relative Notice to Mariners related to conservation areas around wrecks and now navigation by boats in these conservation zones is disallowed, except for anchoring for diving support vessels. This Read More
Earlier this summer, the Government announced that a two-year moratorium was put into effect on the exploitation of Sea Urchins, citing that a study indicated that the reduction in numbers required this measure. Divinginfo.mt asked the Environmental Resources Authority for details of this study so that it is shared with divers as well as the Read More
Transport Malta today issued a Notice to Mariners No: 198 of 2023 stating that filming will take place at Mgarr ix-Xini on Wednesday the 1 November 2023. It is not said within the notice whether diving will be allowed in the zone during filming. Notice to Mariners below.
Tim Eckly (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005509125918) is looking for help as he lost the following two items in the space of a few days. Pictures below for reference If you found any of them, kindly contact Tim at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005509125918 Reminder – Contact Us if you lost something and you’d like to put a post here that stays a Read More
A reader’s report was received on the 18/08/2023 about a missing handrail at Reqqa Point, Gozo Issue is being flagged to Eco-Gozo Directorate which is in charge of diving infrastructure in Gozo Update 25/08/2023 Comment or Message The second handrail at Reqqa Point is still missing. For some it can be difficult to exit especially Read More
Updated 18:00 on 1/10/2023 with pictures showing one ladder was secured — read below Readers have brought to our attention that Xatt L-Aħmar in Gozo, the site of the iconic wrecks Karwela, Cominoland, Xlendi and Hephaestus (scuttled last year) now has two new wrecks, the main access ladders! Falling into pieces, rickety, getting out of Read More
We reproduce below an opinion piece by Daniel Xerri which has been published on today’s Times of Malta. We think the sector needs a bit more work on the sustainability bit – for various reasons dependent on both related operators as well as authorities, but access for the young at heart (any age really as Read More
This triton’s trumpet does not make sounds (or at least, that we know of), but if it did, it would be playing a classical piece the likes of Mozart! Awesome pictures shared by Malta’s Marine Marvels – thanks for showing us the beauty of this mollusc, which many people only see as a dead shell Read More
Thanks to Victor Micallef for sharing this video online, and for the others participating in the post below for the identification on this Umbraculum sp.. A very nice animal indeed that many of us may have missed in the past! Now you know what to look for!
Thanks to DiveSystems Malta for the amazing feast for the eyes of divers – so many barracudas on the wreck of the Le Polynesien.
Update at noon on 4 October 2023 – Issue has been resolved, with MTA staff having brushed away the algal growth. What divers had reported: Steps at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park (especially “Susie’s Pool” – the entry in the middle of the diving site down from he sloped pathway) have over the past months increasingly Read More
Transport Malta has today announced that the following site will have restrictions on navigation and use on the following dates: In both instances it is not clear if diving support vessels or divers will be able to use these sites. Our suggestion is to plan alternative sites on these days. Copies of the notices to Read More
Activist and long-time diver Raniero Borg shared this video below of several pots found during one dive off Qawra point, St. Paul’s Bay. These pots are commonly found around the coast by divers – many times lost after their lines become entangled in marine reefs and other debris, or they become lost due to boating Read More
Timesofmalta.com reported on 27/09/2023 that a diver is in a critical condition after finding himself in difficulty at Ras il-Ħobż in Għajnsielem. The 53-year-old German diver was taken to shore by people who were with him. The police said in a statement they were informed a diver needed assistance at 1.45pm. Together with a medical Read More
For the attention of divers & especially diving schools – the development application for Manoel Island seems to preclude vehicle access to the X127 Wreck entry point. Representations are only open up till the 29 September 2023. This is what we sent to representations@pa.org.mt. We suggest that you join in fast (only 2 days left!) Read More
The 11th Wiki Loves Earth competition came to a close with some sunning images for the local selections. Well done to Victor Micallef , Saviour Bonnici and Alessio Marrone for showcasing some of our marine life!You can see their winning entries on the timesofmalta.com article announcing them. You can see all the submitted photos at Read More
Open letter to Authorities by local divers and activists Mark Gatt and Raniero Borg Published on The Shift News on the 22/09/2023 Note: an earlier version of this article stated the wrong surname for the co-author Mark Gatt. Apologies for any inconvenience caused!
Want to get to know more about the marine environment around us from a more academic and formal point of view? The University of Malta announced a short course in Marine Biology with lectures held over a period of three months, once per week in the evening, and with two Saturday field work lectures. The Read More
This summer, Ambjent Malta in collaboration with the Environmental Resources Authority installed various information boards around our coast in the vicinity of Marine Protected Areas. Two of these, covering protecting areas at Ramla l-Hamra and Comino are the below. The boards provide general information about Malta’s Marine Protected areas, QR codes to obtain more information Read More
This recent media article mentions some diving-related drownings, especially noting that most were visitors to our islands. https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/seven-10-people-drowned-past-decade-foreigners.1054972 Unfortunately, there is no local proper accident investigation process that provides data for divers to understand the possible causes of diving-related incidents, partly due to confidentiality of criminal inquiries launched in every diving accident where a diver Read More
Local divers Daniel Xerri and Jon Borg were recently published on Divernet, gracing its pages with a description of the joy of wreck diving around the world. In the article published at https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/the-joys-of-wreck-diving/ Daniel gives us a virtual tour of some of the most famous wreck dives from around the world, spiced up with Jon’s Read More
The Times of Malta today reports about the discovery of human remains amongst the wreckage of a B-24 Liberator airplane. The plane has recently been opened for divers to visit as part of the Heritage Malta Underwater Museum technical dive sites. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) (USA) announced this news on the 31 August Read More
Another tool to help you discover Malta and Gozo’s diving sites. Divinginfo.mt recently met up virtually with the Polish creator of this app and held an interesting discussion about this project, which like us is a volunteer-led project started off with the love for diving, rather than commercial interests. Divemap.io is an interesting platform that Read More
ERA recently announced that guided snorkel trails being organised until the end of this summer have been fully booked. However, they have also kindly shared the snorkel trails materials online on this page for self-guided tours: https://era.org.mt/topic/snorkel-trails/ It’s a good opportunity for changing a bit your normal swims, and at the same time, spice them Read More
In a post on Facebook, Raniero Borg shared a video of a large turtle encountered near the Christ the seafarer statue off Qawra Point. Raniero also added in the video the result of a bit of TLC to the statue’s face. See the post below and the video! Thanks for sharing Raniero!
In a sponsored article on Timesofmalta.com, ERA provides information about the importance of sea urchins within the local marine environment and encourages the public to follow the two year moratorium announced two months ago. Sea urchins have a pivotal role in maintaining a balance and improving the overall health of our marine ecosystems by keeping Read More
Timesofmalta.com reports that a new project named Poseidon is starting off with the aim to protect Posidonia oceanica and reforesting. While happily swimming in a Maltese beach this summer, you may occasionally feel soft seagrass stroking your feet. Likely, you have encountered something that is saving our planet: Posidonia oceanica, known locally as ‘alka’ and also Read More
In a post on Facebook, Professor Alan Deidun announced that new LED digital displays have been provided to the Dwejra Environmental Education Centre, managed by the San Lawrenz Local Council, as part of the CORALLO +SI project (Interreg Italia-Malta 2014-2020 Programme) This centre is located at Dwejra Gozo, and is a nice stop if you’re Read More
Ambjent Malta has announced on social media that it is organising educational Snorkel trail tours free of charge, but subject to booking, for adults at Golden Bay and Riviera. Well done for the initiative! Join us for an educational snorkeling tour to discover the diverse marine habitats in our Marine Protected Areas at Golden Bay Read More
Yesterday some instructors have advised on a local group that “Thiefs are going round on the divesites again. Last days suspicious activity in the north, today broken into several cars in Xatt L’Ahmar” Divinginfo.mt did manage to speak to someone whose clients were robbed, cash was taken from their possessions. It is possible that the Read More
Remora are infrequently sighted along the Maltese coastline, but their presence normally is understood to mean that some bigger fish were passing by. The fish has a curious habit of using the suckers over its head to stick itself to larger fish, and sometimes even attempts to stick with divers 🙂 Nice picture of a Read More
The below New York Post features an article today about a 4 legged diver who is apparently breaking records too! From a scared rescued to a deep diver – read the article for more about this heart-warming story. And then some humans are scared of trying out diving? https://nypost.com/2023/08/28/my-rescue-dog-was-scared-of-water-now-shes-a-deep-sea-diver/
Following the launch of the Deep Water Xlendi Archaeological Marine Park in Gozo, we now have one of the first videos of diving at 100+ metres depth for recreational purposes at this park. It’s not exactly “a walk in the park”, but it’s a great opportunity for trained technical divers to explore another dives site, Read More
Today’s Times of Malta has published an opinion piece targeting the lethargy in the implementation of the Diving Strategy announced last year. The opinion piece, penned by Daniel Xerri and David Agius highlights the little, if any action seen related to the objectives and action points that are to be addressed by the strategy. Divinginfo.mt Read More
On the 22 August the Times of Malta reported an eye-watering €143 Million were provided by Government for supporting films and TV Series being fully of partly shot in Malta. We understand that all industries need their funding, and comparisons are odious, however from an FOI request that we made last year, excluding marketing and Read More
Reader’s contribution The 2022 document was heralded as a way forward for the dive industry on the Islands, with hopefully, lots of action taken. It was, in effect, a reprint of a document ‘The Master Plan’ many years ago and during those many years virtually nothing has been done to improve the offering that Gozo Read More
This interview published today on Maltatoday with Professor Timothy Gambin provides an insight into the reasons for declaring an underwater park 100m deep, as well as an insight into the importance and ways to appreciate our underwater heritage. A large stretch of seabed off Xlendi has just been inaugurated as a deepwater archaeological park: billed Read More
NIght diving is a good opportunity for spotting some interesting life, amongst which this beautiful stingray! Thanks to Henry for sharing on Malta Marine Marvels! Click the link here for the video.
Timesofmalta.com reported today that the Serbian community organisation in Malta is to erect a monument on the Marsascala coast to recall the sinking, 105 years ago, of the ocean liner SS Polynésien some 3km offshore. A Serbian community organisation in Malta is to erect a monument on the Marsascala coast to recall the sinking, 105 Read More
Local media today announced that yesterday evening, an official announcement was done that a stretch of sea outside of Xlendi, Gozo has been declared the World’s first Deepwater Archaeological Park. The park is also complemented by the nearby Xlendi Tower which hosts some artefacts that had been recovered from the seabed and which was also Read More
TM announced last week (apologies for reporting it late – it slipped in our emails) in Notice to Mariners 147 of 2023 that the M/V Seabourn Pursuit would be carrying out submarine training near the site of the HMS Stubborn Wreck, off St. Paul’s Islands, between the 3 and 11th August 2023. Copy of notice Read More
Today, the Ċirkewwa Marine Park announced in an advert on the Sunday Times of Malta that it is seeking companies to tender for the manufacture, supply and installation of three special marker buoys including the necessary bathymetric studies to delineate the Ċirkewwa Marine Park. (Click on link to see tender documentation) Whilst it may take Read More
In Maltese we have a saying that in a rough translation equates to: “The baby that does not cry, does not eat”. Our baby is our diving environment and all that affects us. The below is a cry we sent a week ago to persons high up in the goverment circles… Over the last years, Read More
In May 2023, local divers, communicated to the Malta Tourism Authority and Transport Malta regarding parking at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park. Communication is represented below. As of August 2023, this suggestion has not yet been taken up, even though we know several reminders have been sent. Rather, the problem increased due to enforcement action being Read More
This moray eel does not look so pale because it got scared when it saw you, but rather because it’s a distant cousin from colder waters! Thanks to Alan Deidun for sharing the information in a FB post! Look at those fangs! The fangtooth moray (Enchelycore anatina), a species originally native of the north-east Atlantic Read More
One of the beautiful creatures that many of us miss on our dives. Berthella ocellata, a sea slug that is a close relative to the nudibranch. Thanks belowesealevel.mt for sharing. Visit their website at www.belowsealevel.mt or FB page for some other great pictures of marine life around the islands.
Transport Malta recently issued Notice to Mariners No145 of 2023 alerting the public to danger of falling rocks at il-Hofra z-Zghira, Delimara. Attention snorkelers / free divers / spearfishermen! Always a good idea to stay well away from all cliff faces. A few months ago, other notices were issued on the same subject, which you Read More
If you’re planning a shore dive on the North side of Gozo, visiting some of the most iconic dives there such as Reqqa Point, Double Arch, Cathedral Cavern and other in the area that can be reached from shore, beware of fishing nets. Reports have been seen from divers (local and foreign alike) that have Read More
We stumbled upon this informative article about Neptune Grass by Friends of the Earth Malta. Many of us divers may look at it as uninteresting and just some grass, but it’s something altogether different and important. Next time you visit a beach along the Mediterranean coast with Posidonia leaves washed ashore take some time to Read More
The Malta Independent recently announced that a set of stamps portraying Marine Life is being issued by the local postal operator. The Mediterranean Sea is home to a stunning variety of marine life. To encourage the preservation of our natural environment and the protection of unique marine fauna, MaltaPost introduces a set of five stamps Read More
At a presentation held last week at the Hagar Qim Park Visitor Centre, Prof. Alan Deidun presented the results of the various initiatives undertaken during the CORALLO project. This Interreg Italia-Malta 2014-2020 project saw Maltese and Sicilian partners joining together to “fostering of a greater degree of awareness amongst Natura 2000 sites users and visitors Read More
LovinMalta reported on Sunday that: The Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers has launched a new initiative aimed at preserving Malta’s coastal waters. The campaign, dubbed ‘Clean Up Our Sea’, invites members of the public to report any issues or abnormalities via dedicated hotlines. Flotsam can be reported on: 79890084 in the north and 79890085 in the Read More
The Ċirkewwa Marine Park team has today issued the following communication on social media. Hi everyone! Since we have had the site office it has been great getting to see everyone a little bit more on a daily basis. With our new team growing and as the season picks up, we would love to invite Read More
Post shared on Facebook – divers if you can assist it would be appreciated too: Lost in WIED IZ ZURRIEQ. A mans black and gold signet ring in sea as you go down the ladder or on the rocks .It is of great sentimental value. Hoping so much a kind person that finds it hands Read More
Divers last Sunday on a boat dive at Dawra tas-Sanap, south east of Gozo came across the images we are showing you here. A small piece of trammel net (roughly less than the size of a garage door) seems to have been torn off by a rock, probably due to fishing very close to the Read More
Impressive video shared by DiveSystems this afternoon of a Mola Mola right next to the super-popular wreck of the Tug Boat Rozi at roughly 33m depth at the Cirkewwa Marine Park. The video, shared this morning, is picture perfect and shows a relaxed Mola Mola (also known as Sunfish), which apparently was curious. Amazing footage! Read More
Seahorses are nowadays a rarity to see, so it’s always heart warming to see footage showing them! It is even more heartwarming when footage and photos are shot responsibly. Reminder: do not use lights or flashes, keep distance, watch your fins (don’t hit other seahorses whilst filming their buddy) and report sightings to the Seahorse Read More
Updated 11:30 with ADPD statement Timesofmalta.com reports that during a press conference yesterday, ADPD – the Green Party spokespersons remarked about the lack of progress on the diving strategy announced in 2022. DIvinginfo.mt a few days ago also reported on the lack of progress on action points in this strategy in this article of a Read More
It’s a busy time at the Cirkewwa Marine Park. With tourism reaching its annual peak in these days, more local divers visiting and the space being what it is, divers are forced to find alternative ways to park on site. This normally results in the middle of the inner parking to be used as ad-hoc Read More
Although the Maltese Islands are not as renowned for regular abundance of marine life as much as other famous diving destinations such as Egypt and the Maldives, partly due to the pressure affecting the Mediterranean from overfishing and pollution, there are days when you will still be amazed. Raniero’s Adventures Facebook Page recently shared this Read More
In an article on The Malta Independent, Albert Galea tells the story of when in the 1950s a huge WW2 bomb was found just outside St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, and by “luck” (read more in the article), responsibility on carting it away (without blowing up the Co-cathedral nor anyone close enough) ended up in Read More
Transport Malta, in two Notices to Mariners published on its website, announced the setting up of fairways at Mgarr ix-Xini and Xlendi. In view that in both cases the zones are also used by divers (e.g. visiting caverns at Mgarr ix-Xini and whilst crossing the bay from the Southern side of Xlendi to the northern Read More
On Tuesday 11 July 2023 four 12 litre cylinders (as per photo) were stolen off the back of a dive truck from near HMS Maori shore dive entry, along with cash from divers’ clothes. Should anyone have seen anything, or can identify any suspects, please call the police on anonymous tipping line 119. Cylinder serial Read More
divinginfo.mt has been in the last few weeks trying to identify the progress on the Objectives and action points that were announced as part of the “Developing a Sustainable Diving Industry in the Maltese Islands – A strategy for the future 2022” which had been announced on the 23 May 2022, in a glitzy press Read More
The Government announced through a press release by the DOI that Sea Urchin harvesting is now subject to a two-year moratorium. As of today, Friday 7th July, a two-year moratorium on sea urchin collection will come into effect The Government has launched two joint initiatives in an effort to replenish the sea urchin’s population. Sea Read More
Originally published on the 15/06/2023 – additional information on 05/07/2023 Transport Malta issued a Notice to Mariners (100/2023) indicated a safety area around the crumbling Cirkewwa Lantern. We are informed that Transport Malta and Infrastructure Malta are looking into this overdue issue, as the lantern has been out of commission for ages and swift action Read More
The Malta Police Force announced in a press release that it was informed at about noon today that a diver needed assistance at Ċirkewwa. Emergency services went on site and assisted the diver who had been brought to shore and was being given assistance by persons accompanying him. The emergency services provided assistance and took Read More
The Planning Authority has been reported to have approved the installation of an artistic statue of a headless horse at a spot which will just be over and above the Reqqa Point and Billinghurst kitting up areas. We’re pretty sure that the controversy on the installation of this statue will continue on for a bit, Read More
Well done for another cleanup organised by Żibel at Qawra last Saturday. Almost unbelievable how junk keeps making it to our seabeds, but then again, many still need to be able to get their head underwater and see the mess in some places. Thanks to Raniero Borg for sharing the video below on Facebook and Read More
The below photo has been shared on the Diving Instructors social media group showing a new type of ladder (similar to that under the lantern at Ċirkewwa Marine Park), and new railings replacing the ones which were previously installed at St. Elmo Point, Marsamxett. Thanks to PDSA (with the assistance of the MTA), who commissioned Read More
No – it’s not the wild animal whose sight would make you look for safety, but an (almost) harmless turtle who had been in a bit of an adventure… The Malta Independent reported that on Friday that: Read more here: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2023-06-30/local-news/Another-turtle-released-at-sea-after-six-month-recovery-from-ingesting-plastic-6736253026
ATLAM Sub Aqua Club and DAN Europe have come to an agreement for a DAN instructor training course in July 2023. For those interested in provider course only. Practical sessions for the Provider courses (Atlam SAC) Online training will be done before those dates DAN Provider Certifications (Basic Life Support & Defibrillation, Paediatric Basic Life Read More
The Munxar Local Council announced the official opening of the restored Xlendi Tower, which will house a collection of amphorae, some of which recovered from the nearby seabed more than 60 years ago. The official opening of the Xlendi Tower will happen on the 5 July 2023 at 19:00, which will also be the first Read More
Posted by Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 29/06/2023. During the summer of 1996 scuba-diver David Schembri, while underwater, came across an aircraft engine laying on the sea-bed fairly close to the island of Filfla, and at a distance from Dingli cliffs. He informed our Foundation about the find, and within a short while, wheels Read More
Divinginfo.mt will in the coming days have a new section called “Opinions”. The aim is to provide a platform for relevant opinion pieces by persons involved in diving around the Maltese Islands. The target is to have diverse opinions about several topics shared or reproduced from other media, about which using discus comments, you may Read More
Transport Malta has issued Local Notice to mariners 109 of 2023 advising mariners and general public of another area of danger due to falling rocks around the coastline. The local coast is subject to continuous erosion and cliff faces tend to have multiple cracks which result in many rockfalls, most of which tend to go Read More
NGO Żibel Shared information about a Ghost Net Removal From Xatt l-Aħmar On World Ocean Day. They also recently announced removing another net from the wreck of the SS Margit, in Kalkara Creek. On a regular basis, the NGO has also cleared off underwater sites at various locations and it’s surely a case of, hand Read More
Congratulations to Audrey Cudel for performing heavy line maintenance at Billinghurst Cave in Gozo. These lines are essential for training and possibly, to get a diver out of trouble when visiting this cavern. Dear buddies, please take care if visiting this cave to stay close, but not too close to the lines so they remain Read More
The Institute of Tourism Studies announced applications are open for persons interested in its Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management programme. This programme of studies is organised in collaboration with Divers Alert Network. Full details of the programme of studies from here: https://its.edu.mt/course?course_code=PT6DSM
TVM provides a good article and footage of the 9 Nursehound Sharks release that was occurred last Saturday, which although it had a good aim, it also resulted in a bit of hiccup for the Gozo Ferries. Well done Sharklab and MNA for the release of these sharks! Snorkelers & divers, for next time, let’s Read More
Dolphins in the Malta-Gozo Channel are not a rarity, and although many sightings, including ones at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park, do not hit the news, this one did. Timesofmalta.com reports that passengers on the Gozo Ferry were delighted last Sunday by a pod of four dolphins that swam alongside the ferry before berthing in Ċirkewwa. Read More
A turtle nest was discovered this morning at Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo, the largest sandy beach in Gozo and a site where practically on a yearly basis, nests are discovered. Keep an eye out dear divers whilst out and around, report any sighting to Nature Trust (and if you have a nice pic, we’re happy Read More
Victor Micallef is a local diver with a keen interest in photography but also marine biology. Over the last year or so, he published on Facebook a nice set of curiosities about different species that inhabit Maltese waters and also from further afar. We collect them below. Victor also has an interesting blog called My Read More
What started off as another shark release of sharks hatched from dead shark’s eggs, a project by Sharklab and the Malta National Aquarium that you can read about here, ended up in a bit of controversy today at Cirkewwa. Whilst originally the release was meant to be carried out at the South Quay in Cirkewwa, Read More
Inwadar national nature and history park has announced in a post on Facebook that the railing for divers at the entry point for Tug 10, St. Michael Tug boat and what remains of the ill-fated P33 wreck has been re-installed. Thanks to the park management for the re-installation and we hope this is retained over Read More
The image below shows a variety of signs that indicate that divers (SCUBA or Freedivers) may be in the water nearby. These are superimposed on a map from www.maltadives.com showing some of the popular diving sites and wrecks around the Maltese Islands. However, there are many other diving sites and wrecks around the Maltese islands Read More
Timesofmalta.com reports that: A 67-year-old diver died in Gozo on Friday after finding himself in difficulty in the area tax-Xatt l-Aħmar in Għajnsielem. The police said in a statement they were informed that a person needed assistance at 6.15pm. They went on site together with a medical team from Gozo General Hospital where they found Read More
Marine Biologist Alan Deidun shared this picture of a Sawback Angel Shark who was caught in Maltese waters as bycatch. It was nice to hear from Prof. Deidun that the fisherman involved has released it back alive! He also shared some interesting information, including a reminder that it is a proected and endangered species! A Read More
Updated with apology by boat owner It’s the beginning of summer, and as seen in past years, it’s still not clear whether mariners are aware of why there are yellow buoys in various spots around the coast. Many of these indicate a wreck (the yellow buoys with an “X” on top), and as per Notice Read More
Timesofmalta.com reports today about the reopening of the Xlendi Tower, which will also include an exhibition of underwater artifacts retrieved nearby in the 60s which have been dated back to Roman Times. Read more about the Xlendi Tower restoration and re-opening here. Well done to authorities for displaying artifacts close to where they were recovered Read More
This past week – it being the World Ocean Day week – a bonanza of rubbish has been brought up from our shores. Well done to all involved, mainly NGOs, Authorities assisting and Private organisations who help these activities, amongst which Have we missed anyfrom from this week – let us know?
but let’s hope we don’t need it! Today the Civil Protection Department announced their latest acquisition with an awesome video! MANUĊĊA, P-42 Fire Fighter is an innovative high speed rapid intervention vessel which provides superb stability, flexible work space and panoramic view from helm position. This vessel is able to reach speeds of 44 knots has Read More
These islands have seen more wrecks than those we visit today… and maybe a few bits and pieces may still be lying around. Thanks to Kevin for sharing the below information about a lesser known event, and maybe spare a thought for those who did not survive them. Thanks to Kevin Aquilina, a wreck enthusiast Read More
Absolutely lovely sighting, seeing these creatures so close to one of the best diving sites around our islands, the Um el Faroud artificial reef off Wied iz-Zurrieq, l/o Qrendi. Video by ABC Diving posted on Facebook here
From University of Malta News Website Prof. Timmy Gambin, from the Department of Classics & Archaeology, recently participated in a conference on new technologies in maritime archaeology held in Rabat, Morocco. The conference served as a platform for international experts from various backgrounds to share their research and innovative practices in the field. Gambin’s presentation Read More
Timesofmalta.com reports that Police announced that A 44-year-old Russian man died after finding himself in difficulties while diving off Gzira. The incident happened at 5.30pm near Manoel Island. The man was pulled to the shore by people who happened to be in the area. He was given first aid but died shortly after being admitted Read More
The above picture and post explains it all. Seahorses getting decimated by indiscriminate anchoring. Mgarr ix-Xini needs either a ban on anchoring or fixed moorings to protect seahorses, which unlike fish, are not fast swimmers and cannot avoid being trampled by anchors and chains. The Conservation objectives and measures for Malta’s marine Natura 2000 sites Read More
Over the last few years, especially pre-pandemic, divers’ representatives and other stakeholders were consulted on various instances with regard to the establishment of Conservation objectives and measures for Malta’s marine Natura 2000 sites (in short: MPA’s). A draft had been even presented back in 2021. Back in January 2023 (or February 2023 as the filename Read More
Post by Mr Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 1 June 2022 The other day we showed you the reconstruction of the main-planes. This time we shall see what other components were required for the project to move on towards completion. NOTE: Today, in place is Maltese legislation protecting underwater cultural heritage.
A diver recently posted on social media in a closed group a video of a recent sighting of a Mola Mola near the M/T Hephaestus wreck. A big thank you to Holger Ullrich for sharing the video! What a beautiful fish!
Irrespective of laws stating that fishing nets are not to be used within the Grand Harbour… some “enterprising individual” placed a net on the SS Margit in Kalkara Creek which got very tangled. This historical wreck from WW2 is known for bad visibility but very nice fish life. Żibel should be tackling it in the Read More
Finally a weekend with some decent weather! A sigh of relief from divers who may have had felt the weekends to be long and boring if out of the water. This weekend’s glorious weather has seen some divers who don’t dive year round (they miss a lot – trust us!), also are getting back in Read More
Posted by Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 26/05/2023. The other day we showed you the recovered Spitfire main-spar c/w undercarriage legs. These are necessary basic items required to commence reconstruction work on main-planes – most aircraft structures (possibly all) are built around their main-spars. In the accompanying photographs we shall show a quick progression Read More
The Armed Forces of Malta announced on their Facebook Page that this morning, the 25 May 2023 they carried out a rescue of a diver in distress at Ċirkewwa Marine Park, and later in the day they shared information about another incident at Xwejni Bay, Gozo. Earlier this morning, the Malta Rescue Coordination Centre received Read More
From https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2023-05-22/local-news/Malta-increases-its-Marine-Protected-Areas-to-18-6736252076 The 15th National Focal Points Meeting of the UN Protocol, focusing on Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean, is taking place in Malta. Malta is implementing different actions to safeguard its marine protected area network, which covers 4,100 km2 of Mediterranean waters, 13 times the size of the country’s land Read More
The Ċirkewwa Marine Park Facebook Page announced that on Friday 2 June 2023 the facilities at the park will be closed due to scheduled works. Alternative bathrooms are available at the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal – so think early as it’s a bit of a walk 🙂 Post reproduced below.
Transport Malta announced on the 21 May 2023 through NTM 085 of 2023 that until further notice, there will be restrictions on use of the Fekruna Quay (St. Paul’s Bay) between 06:00 to 10:30 AM daily. Only authorised boats will be allowed. Copy of notice to mariners is reproduced below.
From Article by the Malta Independent The theme set this year for the international day for biodiversity is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity,” the University of Malta has said. This is a theme that perfectly fits the target of the SEA MARVEL project to save, enhance, admire marine versatile life in the central Read More
From The Malta Independent on Sunday Leafing through the pages of the annual reports on the working of the Museum Department for the years 1960-70, it is possible to have a particularly good overview of what was a relatively new specialised field and branch of research. Underwater archaeology started to thrive in the early 1960s Read More
Transport Malta announced in NTM 83 of 2023 that underwater filming will be carried out at various locations in the period between 29 May and 14 June 2023 in various sites around the island (notice below). During the filming vessels are requested to keep away from support vessels and keep outside a safety zone of Read More
Posted by Mr Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 19/05/2023 In 1947, the Air Scouts of Malta were presented with a complete Mk IX Spitfire, EN199. Sadly over the years it fell into disuse and also victim of souvenir hunters, vandals, etc. By 1976, little was left of the aircraft, and that was recovered by Read More
A big well done to New Dimension Scuba (NDS) for their commitment to collect as much fishing wire as they can from dive sites this year! You can help & be mentioned as well! Send us your stories and pics to be featured!
At this time of the year (spring to summer), it’s the peak octopus mating season. Due to this, and to ensure viable stocks for both fishing and sustaining the marine environment, it is ideal if octopus are undisturbed as much as possible. Especially the ones that might be in their holes tending to their eggs! Read More
Transport Malta this week announced through Notice to Mariners 075 of 2023 the areas that will be considered as swimming zones during this summer from 20 May (or 30 May in some cases) until 30 September . Some of these sites intersect also with well-known shallow diving sites (e.g. Mgarr ix-Xini, Xlendi, Qawra point, Sirens, Read More
Raniero’s Adventures shared the below post on Facebook with a sighting of the Moon Jellyfish, as confirmed as well by Marine Biologist Prof. Alan Deidun in comments to the post. Have you ever seen one yourself? Prof. Deidun also gave more information on the species, highlighting that the species is pretty much innocuous too. Thanks Read More
It’s always great when you find a new species to you. A headshield sea slug, Aglaja tricolorata.These live on a sandy bottom and borrow into the sand. They grow to 40mm in length and have a very fine “tail” which can be up to twice their body length. Although called a tricolor, they are always Read More
Posted by Frederick Galea on Facebook on 12/05/2023 On 16 February 1932, Dornier Do J Wal Jupiter VIII – 112 R Cabina Piaggio force-landed owing to engine trouble at a point 30 miles SW of Delimara at 08:50 hours local time. A 202 Squadron floatplane was dispatched to locate the aircraft with assistance of DF Read More
Transport Malta issued another Notice to Mariners advising of further ongoing works in at the Bugibba Quay to advise on restrictions for berthing due to dredging and underwater works. The works are part of the project to create a new landing place for marine transport between different harbours, as well as upgrades to the quay Read More
Sliema Local Council, University of Malta Students and other volunteers organised a beach and underwater cleanup netting in 480kg of litter in just one morning in collaboration with DiveSystems and other entities. Now put your hands together and give them a standing ovation, plus let’s remind ourselves to dispose of rubbish appropriately and consider than Read More
Professor Alan Deidun shared yet another unusual Jellyfish, courtesy of a report by Andrew Zammit. This one doesn’t rust but it stilll stings badly – approach with caution!
Posted by Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 05/05/2023 A long while ago, a fisherman, dropped by aviation our museum and handed over to us a barnacle encrusted aircraft part which had become entangled in one of his nets. He was aware that many years earlier an aircraft has come down in the sea off Read More
Interested in learning more about the Corallo Project and seeing Virtual Reality, Robots, Nature & Science come together? Professor Alan Deidun announced that a stand about the project is setup at the Greenfest in St. George Square, Valletta until next Sunday 7 May. Maybe time to see some greenery meet also the blue!
Did you miss the ScienceDIVER Hybrid International Conference on Scientific Diving which was held in April 2023 in Malta? You might have missed on the social and networking aspect, however you are still in time to “post-attend” The organisers of the conference have now published online the conference sessions. Visit the following links to catch Read More
In view of recent wastewater discharges into the sea near to ic-Cumnija wastewater treatment plant, it is advisable to avoid visiting the Scotscraig wreck for the time being until these issues are sorted.
An interesting workshop was held on the 3 May 2023 whereas NGOs and Authorities together with the project managers and experts involved in the Coastal Cover project has to opportunity to study some of the results obtained so far throughout the project. Experts from France, Ireland, Italy and Spain also recounted their experience with projects Read More
Professor Alan Deidun in this interview on Malta Daily talks about ongoing research to find uses for Jellyfish
An amazing sighting shared by Techwise Malta via Facebook – a beautiful encounter with Devil Rays near the JU88 Wreck. Sometimes those long decompression stops can be a wonder in themselves… click on the image to see. Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1281015769459509
Keep your eyes peeled this summer, for the LIONFISH! The Spot the Alien Fish competition is still on, as is our reward! We are insisting on the need of this early warning system since the lionfish is a highly INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES (IAS) and hence it’s numbers need to be managed so as to mitigate Read More
Well done for PDSA: Professional Diving Schools Association Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority for co-ordinating the placing of special marker buoys indicating the presence of wrecks for Mariners. Only one is left to be placed (Cominoland) which will be sorted in the coming days. Special reminder to mariners and pleasure boat owners, charters or Read More
Post by Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 28/04/2020 Times of Malta -Tuesday, March 29, 1949 Naval Air Crash at Delimara – Rescue Plane Driven Ashore Our Services Reporter Lieutenant (1) M.D. Stanley, R.N., the pilot of a Mosquito aircraft which crashed into the sea off Delimara Point on Saturday morning, has still not been Read More
Congrats to Żibel for winning an award for the Best Green/Sustainable Initiative! For those who may live under a rock (on land, as if underwater you’ve seen a Żibel diver), Żibel has been pulling up tonnes of junk from around our shores over the last years and managed to bring so much awareness and old Read More
The University of Malta announced a World’s first multi-drone system developed locally to enhance divers’ safety at sea In a news release on the UoM’s Newspoint, it reported on the launch of the multi-drone system launched during a recent launch event. The system was developed during the BEA Project which is aimed to enhance the Read More
In an interview with the Times of Malta published today, Ms Degabriele, widow of the late Chris Degabriele, who is thought to have been hit by a boat whilst spearfishing near St. Paul’s Islands in August 2022, urged people to speak up to bring closure to this case. Just earlier this week, the Malta Police Read More
Transport Malta issued Notice to Mariners 63 of 2023 advising that dredging and construction works will be carried out starting from the 26 April until 27 June 2023. This may make certain areas inaccessible. Since this breakwater is occasionally used for diving boats to depart from, kindly note and share so no one has to Read More
Recently, divinginfo.mt attended a very interesting online session with Ms Patrizia Patti, who apart from giving an introduction to herself and other business ventures, which assist in marine research activity, also announced the launch of an in-depth course about dolphins. Dolphin Academy is a six-week course to learn more about dolphins and whales of the Read More
From TimesofMalta.com Read more at timesofmalta.com
It was an environmentally themed last week at ATLAM Sub-Aqua Club as part of the celebrations for Earth Day on the 23 of April 2023 On Thursday 20 April an interesting presentation was held at ATLAM Sub-Aqua Club in Bahar ic-Caghaq in collaboration with Zibel and Mr Ede Kossari Tarnik, presenting a ongoing research project Read More
The Malta Police Force has today renewed its appeal for information about the death of spearfisherman Chris Degabriele who died after possibly being hit by a boat off St. Paul’s Islands in August 2022. You may read all related articles to this accident here. ‘Investigations revealed that the diver may have been hit by a Read More
Article & photos reproduced from post by Frederick Galea on Facebook posted on the 21/04/2023 The history of the Spitfire wreck located off the coast of Gozo is linked to Operation Husky – the Allied invasion of Sicily (10 July 1943-17 August 1943). After the Allied victory in North Africa (Operation Torch), a decision was Read More
In a post on Facebook, Marine Biologist Alan Deidun anounced that the Spot the Jellyfish campaign website is currently offline. Until this is fixed, you can send your sightings reports through the campaign’s Facebook Page, by email to Prof. Deidun as per below or via SMS/Whatsapp on 79604109
In May’s issue of the SCUBA Magazine, issued by the British Sub-Aqua Club and distributed globally to BSAC members and on newsstands, the Um el Faroud’s Bow stands proud and magnificent. The below Facebook post shows a picture of the front cover and other snippets shared by the article’s author. Malta is described as a Read More
We’re happy to note that further refurbishment has been carried out at the Cirkewwa changing / shower rooms. In a video shared with us the refurbishment made the rooms more welcoming and further embellished so that with the pictures hanging, divers visiting the site for the first time can get to know more what they Read More
In a week in which scores of foreign divers are flocking to Malta for one of the major events in the diving calendar in ages, the Rebreather Forum 4, and the Science Diver event which will run concurrently at the end of this week, in Gozo, a drainage overflow is affecting one of the best Read More
Sidemount instructor Demis Farrugia of Diverse Scuba Solutions was recently interviewed on the Speaking Sidemount Podcast https://www.sidemountpros.com/speakingsidemountpodcast/2023/3/17/episode-83-demis-farrugia-unlock-your-full-potential The podcast developed into an interesting discussion regarding diving training and equipment, but also a lot about diving around the Maltese Islands.
The as usual indefatigable Raniero & friends have struck again, this time helping out in clearing from large stones the rock pools at the Sirens diving site, St. Paul’s Bay. This a site where thousands (including divinginfo.mt’s Admin) took their first steps to learn SCUBA diving as the pools are used for basic training prior Read More
Posted in a Facebook post on the 14 April 2023 by Frederick Galea. During the early morning 8 July 1942, seven Ju88s escorted by Bf109s and twenty-one MC.202s made for Luqa. The formation was intercepted by Spitfires from three squadrons. Flt Lt Lester Sanders led his 603 Squadron to attack the bombers, but they had Read More
In an unusual twist to this tragedy, the Equipment Expert in the court process of Christine Gauci’s buddy speaks out. The controversy related to the prosecution of Christine Gauci ‘ buddy gets another media article, this time penned by the Equipment Expert’s opinion. You can visit the opinion piece published on the Times of Malta Read More
In a post on its Facebook Group, the Malta Freediving Club issued its upcoming 2023 season planner, with 16 different training events and dives planned ahead! The calendar was also accompanied with an announcement by the Malta Freediving Club, which we are reproducing below. We are excited for the upcoming freediving season and are pleased Read More
A recent court case, related to the accident resulting in the paralysis of a local diver working in the Fish Farming Industry seems to be the trigger of an opinion piece on the Times Of Malta today by Mr Daniel Xerri. The full opinion piece is reproduced below, with permission of the author. A set Read More
The objections of the local diving community and other environmental NGO’s seem to have hit the target, with the controversial project having now been withdrawn according to the Timesofmalta.com article published today. The site in question leads to a much frequented diving site in Gozo with one of the most famous locations, that of the Read More
Scuba diving in Maltese waters can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of risks. Therefore, it is essential to follow basic safety procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience. In this article, we will identify the top five safety skills one should apply while scuba Read More
Unfortunately, within the Maltese population, diabetes is a medical condition that affects close to 7% of the population. However, one is still able to dive even though s/he might suffer from this condition, subject to a few precautions. The Divers Alert Network, a well-respected international institution which has been studying and sharing medical information for Read More
Shared on Facebook by Alan Deidun on 09/04/2023 An incredible creature indeed…..a bioluminescent comb jelly colony going by the name of Venus girdle (Cestum veneris), a gelatinous creature which, however, does not sting, using the light it generates to attract potential prey…..further information about this species can be found on page 32 of our online Read More
Shout a big “Well done” to Brian Azzopardi, the person who takes care of the Cirkewwa Dive Site changing rooms, who in preparation for the Divers for Puttinu fundraising event and summer 2023 has done a bit of TLC. Thanks Buddy!
Website: https://divemed.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiveMedMalta Our involvement commenced in 1995 with the movie Cutthroat Island, followed with the major film featuring Bon Jovi & Gina Davis U571, which both took months of shooting in the Malta Film Studios. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DiveMed (@divemed) Abigail Borg has been heading Divemed Underwater Read More
Have you ever had an unusual mix in your tanks after filling up? Here’s a cheat sheet to find your Nitrox Maximum Operating Depth. P.S. This table is not meant to serve as guidance and you should obtain all relevant training through reputable training agencies prior to pursuing any diving activities.
From thelucknowtribune.com Maltese waters have once again been used as a set for an upcoming Bollywood movie (read more about it here). Whilst the article below may have some inaccuracies (please note our waters never go below 14 degrees), it’s nice to see that the movie industry in Malta also manages to attract movies related Read More
Posted by Frederick Galea in a Facebook post on the 06/04/2023 Seafire-IIc MB293 – Parts of wartime Seafire recovered from seabed – Times of Malta, 27 April 1994 Parts of a wartime Seafire have been recovered from the seabed half a mile off Ramla l-Hamra, Gozo. The one-and-a-half ton wreck, consisting of the engine, parts Read More
Wishing you a happy easter from divinginfo.mt. Raniero’s Adventures – Live Life put up the most appropriate video today, linking easter to the statue of Christ of the sailors which is located just off Qawra. Thanks Raniero!
The Malta Police Force yesterday presented its latest acquisition, two new RHIBs that will be used by the Environmental Protection Unit in order to carry out patrols nearshore and enhance borders protection. In a statement issued by the government, it was stated that these investments will help the Malta Police Force ensure that the islands Read More
The organisers of the Divers for Puttinu Event yesterday evening presented the respectable donation during the live tv show which at the end of it, raised €3Million. The Puttinu Cares Foundation will use these funds to furnish a newly acquired property in London, England for the use of families having a member receiving cancer treatment Read More
The Heritage Malta Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit have announced that under the auspices of the British High Commission it will organise an evening of history and new experiences using the latest technology to get to know about the HMS Urge, as well as the possibility to “virtually dive” other wrecks within the Malta Virtual Underwater Read More
The Malta Airport Foundation has launched its second video about wrecks around the Maltese Islands, the HMS Maori. With a bit of history and marine biology aspects, it’s an interesting short introduction to the wreck which has introduced many divers to wreck diving. The Malta Airport Foundation had also sponsored the production of the first Read More
From the Facebook Event at: https://fb.me/e/14XuPs2uc Call to all Scuba and Freediving Clubs, Dive Centres, Suppliers of Services and other interested parties Divers do great things together. You can join in to do your part too for a great cause! We’ve been approached by Puttinu Cares (a charity helping children undergoing Cancer Treatment and their families) Read More
Article and Photos posted by Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 30/03/2023. A Malta Police Report reads as follows: “23.03.1943. – A Spitfire struck a cliff near Fungus Reek, Dwejra, Gozo, whilst trying to land in a field nearby. The pilot was extricated and conveyed to Victoria Hospital”. A 1995 cross-check with the records at Read More
Post by Frederick Galea on Facebook on the 24/03/2023 The following information was derived during an interrogation of Lt Chilcott, T/Sgt Bullock, T/Sgt Hord and S/Sgt Robinson, by Intelligence Officer Captain Stephen C Van Fleet, United States Air Corps: 343 Squadron of the United States Army Air Force based in Lete in the Middle East Read More
The Amphibians Diving Club is turning 40 years old! A post today by Amphibians’ President Mr. Charles Azzopardi announced a program of events for the club, which includes both diving and landbased activities, matching the club’s ethos of forming friendships both in & out of the water. 2023 marks the 40th Anniversary from the setting Read More
Unattended cars at diving sites after normal hours may mean the diver or swimmer is in distress and needs help! We’ve come up with this little gadget to help you. How to use the below tool:
Marine Biologist Professor Alan Deidun recently shared the below Facebook post & picture of a beached Jawless Sea Lamprey – definitely not a top model for underwater photographers! Thanks for sharing Alan! Always sharing interesting stuff! More information on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lamprey
They are masters of camouflage, but also unfortunately very rare and an endangered species even though protected by national legislation! The SeaHorse Trust: Project Malta has shared the below sighting, the first for 2023. Remember the cardinal rules for Seahorse sightings: don’t get too close, no lights or strobes, if it’s turning its back to Read More
A fish farm diver who was left paralysed from the waist down following a deep-sea work dive back in April 2012 has been awarded over €500,000 in damages. Timesofmalta.com reports that Frederick Catania suffered from spinal decompression syndrome in April 2012, following a 71-metre dive to work on cages belonging to Ta’ Mattew Fish Farms Read More
Article by MaltaToday Informal discussions are still underway on the identification of a transboundary marine protected area in international waters between Italy, Malta and Tunisia, a spokesperson for Environment Minister Miriam Dalli has told MaltaToday. Italy’s Maritime Spatial Plan directly refers to the identification of a marine protected area between Italy, Malta and Tunisia in Read More
From timesofmalta.com An opinion piece by Daniel Xerri in the Times of Malta discusses how to avoid a wrongful conviction of a diver. It is vital that in future cases, courts appoint experts in the field of diving not simply based on academic qualifications but also on the basis of competence and experience. This is Read More
Reshared from UM Newspoint The University of Malta together with the Public Works Department organised a conference on Remote Sensing for Coastal Erosion on the 27 February 2023. The conference was held at the Aula Magna of the UM Valletta campus and included contributions mainly from a number of speakers related to the Coastal SAGE Read More
Alessandro Bajada is well known on social media for his photography, as well as for digitising and sharing vintage footage showing Maltese landscapes from decades ago. Below is a selection of videos that he has uploaded to Facebook that are relevant to diving, going back even 50 years ago! 1973 – First Northern European Championships Read More
I’m originally from Poland but lived in UK for 9 years before moving to Malta 7 years ago. I’m PADI MSDT and been teaching for almost 10 years.Artistic background: as a teenager I took private lessons to prepare for practical exam for architecture studies at the Technical University of Szczecin. During next five years at Read More
Raniero does it again… Well, there’s probably no one in the Maltese Diving community who doesn’t know the indefatigable Raniero Borg, who as a seasoned diver keeps all young divers trying to catch their breath in keeping up with him, whether it’s whilst cleaning up in the innumerable cleanups as well as during “pleasure” dives Read More
Timesofmalta.com feature Timesofmalta.com interviewed Mr Arthur Castillo, the diver who has recently been cleared from charges of criminal negligence leading to Christine Gauci’s death during a dive at Mgarr ix-Xini, Gozo in January 2020 Read the article here See other articles related to this tragedy here
The below is an interesting short clip (in Maltese) which has been just published about divers within the Armed Forces of Malta covering the role of diver, basic training and day to day to work. In this interview, Sgt. Coleiro, a member of the Ammo & Explosives Squadron which holds within it the Diving section, Read More
Kevin is a passionate and knowledgeable wreck diving enthusiast. His fascination with maritime history and his desire to preserve the legacy of these sunken vessels has led him to conduct extensive research on the subject. With his skills as an accomplished rebreather diver, Kevin has been able to explore wrecks in detail, uncovering their secrets Read More
22/02/2023 14:00 Updated with summary of court of appeal’s conclusions. In a post on social media this morning, the buddy accused of criminal negligence leading to the death of Christine Gauci in January 2020 has announced that the sentence has been overturned on appeal. Immediately, the reactions of friends show how much this case has Read More
Hi, my name is Jurijs and I’ve been diving in Malta for the almost 10 years now. Underwater photography is my main hobby and I try to dedicate as much time to my hobby as I possibly can. We’re lucky here in Malta to have so many awesome dive sites around us! My main underwater Read More
Re-sharing from University of Malta Newspoint A major work on Maltese ichthyology has just been published in the prominent online journal Diversity by five members of the Department of Biology – Prof. Joseph A. Borg, David Dandria, Dr Julian Evans, Dr Leyla Knittweis and Prof. Patrick J. Schembri. Entitled “A Critical Checklist of the Marine Read More
Seen on University of Malta Newspoint: Around 12 Malta-based stakeholders were brought together for a focus group on sustainable tourism on Thursday 26 January 2023. The focus group followed another one held at the University of Split in Croatia, on the same topic in September. The two meetings are part of the data being collected Read More
The HPF Ranger Unit has announced that the slope towards the Anchor Bay entry has been closed off after the storms of the recent days dislodged further the already very precarious sides. Over many years, many users of the zone have repeatedly asked for safety netting to be put on site to prevent injuries from Read More
Transport Malta issued Local Notice to Mariners 18 of 2023 reminding that the Conservation Biology Research Group at the University of Malta is interesting in hearing from you if you see any of the above. Contact details are listed in the Notice to Mariners as reproduced below, but you may also report through the online Read More
On the 23 January 2023 Transport Malta issued Notice to Mariners 04 of 2023 – Archaeological zones at sea – Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (Consolidated list January 2023) The list includes the sites protected under the Cultural Heritage Act (CAP445). As per the notice, several conditions are required to carry out diving operations at these Read More
On the 18th January 2023, Nature Trust FEE Malta has announced its Draft Ċirkewwa Marine Park Management Plan 2022-2027. The draft was made public during an event at the starfish shaped Malta National Aquarium in Qawra which was well attended by public, with two presentation sessions having an attendance of about 100 individuals, some of Read More
In an archipelago renowned for recreational and technical scuba diving and with many other maritime and commercial activities, including fish farming and ship repair, it would be unthinkable not to have a facility which may treat recreational scuba divers and commercial divers in case things go awry. At the end of last year, divinginfo.mt visited Read More
From University of Malta Newspoint A new fish species has been recorded in Malta for the first time. The Marbled Goby Pomatoschistus marmoratus (Risso, 1810) is a species of fish that lives on sand bottoms, from very shallow inshore water down to about 20m. It has been recorded along the coasts of most of the Mediterranean. In 2022, Read More
From University of Malta Newspoint A project awarded by the MCST (Malta Council of Science and Technology) through the Space Research fund call 2022 and sponsored by the ESA (European Space Agency) will allow researchers to develop methodologies to map the seafloor of the Maltese archipelago. The 2 year project called BathMalta will entail the use of satellite systems, Read More
Transport Malta issued Local Notice to Mariners 003 of 2023 reminding mariners about keeping a 100m safe distance from Divers’ flags. Read the notice below.
From LovinMalta Heaps of huge jellyfish were spotted in Comino and all around Malta yesterday, meaning the annual mass spawning arrived much earlier than expected. ”Seems that the annual mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca) mass spawning (release of eggs) is in full swing already this year, courtesy of the calm weather we have had over the Read More
From University of Malta Scientific data about the molecular genetics of newly recorded algae from Maltese coastal waters have just been published in Cryptogamie Algologie, one of the scientific journals of the French National Museum of Natural History (Muséum National Histoire Naturelle -MNHN). The paper, titled ‘Ulva L. biodiversity in the central Mediterranean Sea: cryptic species and Read More
Timesofmalta.com reports that Oceanography experts are encouraging people to eat an alien species of shrimp that has seen an increase in population over the past five years. Prof. Alan Deidun took to Facebook on Monday with photos of the Red Sea mantis shrimp, a crustacean native to tropical waters first caught in Maltese waters five Read More
The University of Malta reported that the Interreg Italia-Malta SEA MARVEL project is sharing its research photographic outputs in a unique educational photographic exhibition for the benefit of Maltese schools. St Theresa College Middle School, Ta’ Paris, hosted the SEA MARVEL Workshop and the launching of this roving educational marine biodiversity and natura 2000 sites Read More
The Malta Tourism Authority and Nature Trust – FEE Malta are holding an exhibition and an engagement event on the Ċirkewwa Marine Park. The event will include presentation of the Draft Management Plan for the Marine Park and will be held on the18 January 2023 at the National Aquarium between 14:00 and 20:00. For those who are interested, there Read More
Timesofmalta.com has published an opinion piece by Mr Daniel Xerri, a senior lecturer at the University of Malta and a technical diver, with regard to the recent judgement in the case against the buddy of the late Ms. Christine Gauci who passed away following a diving accident in Gozo in January 2020. You may find Read More
On Monday 5th December 2022, ATLAM Sub-Aqua Club hosted a presentation by DAN about recent advances in diving research, presented by Professor Alessandro Marroni. The well attended event by local recreational and professional divers and instructors numbering close to a hundred were regaled with a very interesting presentation starting from Prof. Marroni’s dream and thesis Read More
Raniero’s Adventures together with Ambjent Malta announced that they collaborated to bring back up a 750kilo ghost net which had been lost in the whereabouts of St. Paul’s Islands for about four years. Well done on bringing it up, and a reminder to all fishermen – if you lose a net, report it, even anonymously Read More
HeritageMalta reported on it website that The Malta Airport Foundation is pleased to announce that it is supporting Heritage Malta’s pioneering work to declare an underwater site the world’s first deep-water archaeological park. First discovered in 1993 just off Xlendi Bay in Gozo, the site lies at 105 metres below sea level and is composed Read More
Timesofmalta.com reports that scientists have discovered that marine life thought to be rare or on the verge of extinction is now thriving on and around ship and plane wrecks at the bottom of the sea around the island. Several species of fishes, lobsters, sponges, corals and sea urchins have been considered rare since British rule Read More
Unbelievable, but Zibel keeps impressing us with their major cleanups underwater around these islands. This time it was at Gardens Yacht Marina in Gzira. Well done!
LovinMalta reports that fishermen have spotted a Shark (potentially a Mako Shark) off Delimara Bay, Marsaxlokk, in the south of Malta. You may watch the video on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ck0MGMHDg5i/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b4f321ce-3603-420c-bb6d-6a2a1537f255 Thanks to the fishermen for spotting it and sharing the video!
TVMNews.mt shared a video of Fishermen saving a Dolphin from certain death, after it had gotten itself entangled in the ropes of fishing markers. The article (in Maltese), reports that two hobby fishermen saw the dolphin struggling at the surface outside of Mellieha Bay after it got entangled in the ropes, and they swiftly went Read More
Newsbook reports thats an exhibition highlighting underwater archaeologist Honor Frost’s connection to Malta has been launched at the National Museum of Archaeology. Besides honouring Frost’s considerable legacy, the exhibition aims to offer a snapshot of Frost’s work in Malta through illustrations, artefacts and even some of her diving equipment. Read more at Newsbook
NGO Żibel gets the green light to its Sikka Project – This project will see Żibel create 3D PRINTED artificial reefs into Maltese waters in order to regenerate and support the local marine ecosystem.
Timesofmalta.com reports that the Malta Airport Foundation has launched Submerged World, a mini-series documenting six of the Maltese islands’ most popular diveable wrecks. The six-part series kicked off with an instalment on the tanker Um El Faroud, which was scuttled 1998, becoming one of the Maltese Islands’ first artificial reefs and diving attractions. The six-minute Read More
Transport Malta issued Notice to Mariners 192 of 2022, in which a code of conduct issued by the Conservation Biology Research Group of the University of Malta on how to approach Cetaceans and Turles is brought to the attention of all mariners and the public.
The HPF Ranger Unit, as the patrolling arm of the Heritage Parks Federation has over the last year brought about positive change at the Cirkewwa Diving Site, taking meaningful action towards protecting divers and the underwater life from rogue boaters and poachers. The Unit needs your help! As an NGO, it needs to be funded Read More
Transport Malta issued a notice to Mariners advising of filming at Paradise Bay on the 27 October 2022. This might affect Boat Dives departing from South Quay. Notice is reproduced below.
Transport Malta announced through its notices to mariners that works are starting at two key boat dive pickup points, North Quay at Cirkewwa and at Sirens, St. Paul’s Bay. Sirens is also a popular training spot so the works may affect visibility at this site as well.Notices may be seen below. TM Notice 180/2022 – Read More