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"The Recreational
Diving Service Provider Regulations SL 409.13 LN 357 of
2010", were
published on 16th July 2010. 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
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These Regulations aim
to:-
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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.
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notable differences for divers on their next visit to Malta will be
as follows:- |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Technical Diving
The
use of Rebreathers, Enriched Air and Trimix are sanctioned, subject to the
normal restrictions of training and experience.
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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.
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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.
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The
Diving Regulations Act LN357 of 2010
is available for download in ●English.
If you have any questions please
feel free to contact us on
secretary@pdsa.org.mt
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