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What you should Know Before you Dive in Malta |
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 Regulations
covering diving were introduced to ensure the maximum safety for divers.
Participants in diving courses will need a medical certificate to show that
they are physically fit to dive. Dive schools can arrange this easily for
you at the start of the course for a minimal charge.
Qualified divers wishing to lead their own groups will need to obtain a
local diving permit, an instructor’s permit known as Card C, which is needed
to dive in Maltese territorial waters. For this, you will need a medical
certificate, two passport-size photos and a diving logbook. Your dive
school will help arrange this for you.
If you wish to practice the sport with similarly qualified divers, you will
need a certificate which is equivalent to the CMAS/2 – a professional
diver’s diploma.
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Surface Marker Buoys
Speedboat and ferry traffic can be quite heavy especially in peak summer
months and in the Gozo Channel area. Divers are required to fly the code-A
flag or use a Surface Marker Buoy. This is for your own protection.
Diving Instruction
 Only
qualified diving instructors are allowed to teach diving and must be in
possession of a Maltese Government Instructor’s Recognition.
For information on dive schools and regulations, contact the local
Professional Dive Schools Association:
PDSA, 1 Msida Court,
61 Msida Sea Front, Msida, MALTA |
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 Deep
Waters
Divers visiting the Maltese Islands will find visibility of up to 50 metres
even at depths of 30 metres. There is little land surface run off to
disturb visibility. However, while conditions are generally favourable,
please be careful. Keep within your limitations and avoid over confidence.
Recompression Chamber – Hyperbaric Unit
Divers should be aware that there is a decompression chamber within St
Luke’s Hospital, Guardamangia, Malta. Staff there can be contacted for
any diving incidents requiring medical attention on: (00356) 21234765 or
(00356) 21234766 or by dialling the emergency telephone number 196.
There should be no attempt to perform ‘in water’ recompression. In case of
decompression sickness, do not delay contacting the highly competent diving
specialists available |
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Archaeological Finds
In some areas of the Islands, diving is strictly prohibited in order to
protect the archaeological underwater heritage. These areas will be pointed
out to you when you receive instruction or obtain your diving permit.
If you come across archaeological or cultural finds while diving, you should
report these to the authorities. Do not let temptation spoil your holiday.
Removal of finds or failure to report them is considered unlawful. These
guidelines, and those protecting natural fauna and flora, are common sense
to sports' divers worldwide.
Spear- and other fishing
Spearfishing is tightly controlled, and forbidden without a license.
Fishing, from boats and trawlers, is strictly forbidden over designated dive
sites.
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