DIVING REGULATIONS

 ‘The Recreational Diving Service Provider Regulations 2004 ,” were enacted in Malta on the 6 th April 2004 . The objective of these Regulations being to ensure that all divers in Malta encounter the most pleasurable diving experience under the safest diving conditions possible

These Regulations aim to:-

Maintain and improve upon, the high level of care already administered by the licensed dive centres of the Maltese Islands . To this end, all dive centres will now have to be licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority, which has defined minimum standards for facilities, equipment and service. Only licensed diving centres will be allowed to provide diving services to the public.

Achieve conformity with new European CEN Standards for Recreational Diving Service Providers. These new Standards provide the basis for the operational procedures detailed in the Maltese Regulations.

The notable differences for divers on their next visit to Malta will be as follows:-

Medicals

Some divers will find that they are no longer obliged to be examined by a doctor depending on their medical history
A medical questionnaire will screen and highlight those people who must seek further medical advice and / or examination prior to diving.
Certain conditions will always be incompatible with diving and if you know you suffer from impaired health, you should make further enquiries before booking a diving holiday.

Diving Permits

All divers will have to complete a registration form on arrival at the dive centre. This will include details of your diving qualification and a copy of your medical declaration.
If you intend to dive without a guide from the centre leading the dive (organized or independent diving), you will need to be PADI Advanced Open Water, CMAS 2 Star Diver or equivalent, otherwise you will have to be accompanied in the water by an Instructor. You are no longer obliged to obtain a Local Diving Permit.

Minimum Age

There are no restrictions on age. The decision on minimum age will be at the discretion of the Instructor or as stipulated by the training agency for those undertaking a diving qualification. Written parental / guardian consent will be required for all divers under age 18.

Technical Diving

The use of rebreathers, nitrox and trimix are sanctioned, subject to the normal restrictions of training and experience

Instructors

Only licensed operators, are allowed to offer scuba training or other recreational diving services. Qualified Instructors who wish to supervise training or diving for those less than PADI Advanced Open Water, CMAS 2 Star or equivalent, must do so through a licensed dive centre. The Instructor will first have to register with a dive centre, presenting his Instructor qualification and a copy of an annual medical examination by a Doctor specializing in diving medicine.

A Maltese Instructors Permit will no longer be required but a form of photographic identification issued by a licensed dive centre will have to be issued.

Enforcement

With the Regulations on the Statute Book, enforcement will become much easier and will be facilitated through the Enforcement Section of the Malta Tourism Authority. Diving Services will now be subject to the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act which stipulates both fines and possible imprisonment for those failing to comply.