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 the water following the winter break.
This week has also seen a few issues as well… and we hope it doesn’t continue like this throughout summer. Read more.
Divers almost getting entangled in fishing gear at Għar Lapsi diving site
An instructor was shocked to exit the Għar Lapsi Cove and come face to face with a net. Whilst it’s not strictly illegal, it’s a danger one does not expect to find in a popular diving site, especially one which due to its shallow depth is used to train new divers.
The site is also popular with divers wanting to get away from the hustle & bustle of Ċirkewwa, Exiles and Wied iż-Żurrieq whilst still enjoying beautiful caverns and reefs.
Unfortunately, dive sites are protected at this point in time only thanks to notice to mariners which are in place with regard to artificial reefs and historic wrecks. The Diving Strategy announced last year lists one of its priorities to officially designate diving sites. Where’s the progress on that? We’ve asked the authorities and waiting for their answer at the time of writing.
Two rescues in one day
On Thursday 28 May the Armed Forces of Malta announced that they carried out two diver rescues in one day. One in Ċirkewwa and another at Xwejni Bay, Gozo. Whilst it appears that no specific consequences have been reported following these rescues, we hope that the divers are all in good health.
The Armed Forces of Malta following the second rescue reminded everyone to be aware of the weather conditions and to abide to inclement weather warnings. Given now some divers will be returning back to the sport and thousands of tourist divers will be visiting, we would like to add a few points, like:
- Make a self-assessment of your health condition (and whether you’ve had a beer or two too many the night before): Seek a medical from a doctor well-versed in diving matters if you know you have any condition which requires a referral in line with the Maltese Legislation (Copy of Medical Checklist here). Err on the side of caution, get yourself checked out and if you’ve had two extra drinks… take the day off!
- Watch the weather: Local weather reports are normally much more reliable than non-local reports. The Marine weather forecast is very reliable, but weather changes are not uncommon for the islands.
- Check your kit: Kit stored over winter may need its annual service and it’s best to carry out before the season, not mid-way (you might lose an awesome dive!). Is it in service, good, but remember that small issues can turn into big problems, so at any signs of lack of efficiency, malfunction etc., go to a properly trained technician or invest in your health by replacing where needed.
- Plan the dive & dive the plan! Agree beforehand with your buddies what dive you’re doing, how long will you stay, separation procedures etc. Remember your buddy check before going in the water! It’s not just a cliche but regular basic training which needs to be practiced.
Check out more diving safety tips and stuff on our dedicated page. If you wish to suggest something more, or better – want to add directly to the materials we’ve gathered, let us know.
Wreck Buoy or navigation point?
Divers at Ċirkewwa Marine Park on Saturday morning were met by the usual age old issue of vessels ignoring the wreck marker buoys, from which vessels should keep 100m away. They gasped in disbelief as well one actually transited INSIDE of the buoys, whilst a rentals boat zigzagged four or five times across the site passing a few feet off the marker buoy – therefore in the restricted zone with no f**** given.
It’s still the start of summer… hope the authorities will keep an eye out and enforce the notice to mariners. Photos with identifying registrations have been passed on for enforcement.
Fishing pot on M/T Hephaestus & Boat in Xatt l-Aħmar dive site
M/T Hephaestus is less than a year old, but on Sunday morning divers actually noted a fishing pot on it! Whist we’re making more enquiries, it is hoped that this is just a case of it having been moved there in preparation for raising up. Nonetheless, it could also mean it’s been brought to the wreck from nearby which begs the question: are the fishing gear bans around the Xatt l-Aħmar wrecks being respected? Feedback we have indicates that it’s not.
The same divers also noted a pleasure boat that decided to navigate inside the diving zone, inside of the wreck marker of Cominoland.
Fishing Pot near M/V Imperial Eagle
Another fishing pot was also encountered at the M/V Imperial Eagle today. Fishing pot is seen at the end of this fast video (you might need to press pause :P)
Reports filed
We are informed that reports and pictures have been filed with the relevant authorities regarding some of the above incidents. If you see something or wish us to pass on a report, contact us here or via our Facebook Page’s messenger. The Malta Ranger Unit are also able in some cases to help. Education has been given way more than enough, divers are calling for proper action, monitoring and enforcement.
