Permitted passenger ship and yacht activities in Malta.

Transport Malta issued new directives relating to the entry of passenger ships and yachts in Malta via sea and wishing to make use of port and marinas facilities in Malta.

  1. Arrival of commercial passenger vessels and yacht charters (with or without skipper) Such activity is permitted although the maximum number of persons that can be on board a commercial passenger vessel or chartered yacht is 75 inclusive of crew and subject to compliance with COVID-19 Transitioning – Obligatory Conditions and Guidelines for Bars, Clubs, and Similar Establishments.
  2. Water sports outlets: self-drive boats and jet-skies (can take normally 2 persons), including paddle boats Such activities are permitted as per CVC and WSOL conditions (individual groups).
  3. Watersports outlets activities (e.g. tubes, sofas etc) Such activities are permitted as per CVC and WSOL conditions (individual groups).
  4. Calling at marinas for berth only purposes with crew onboard Such activities are permitted in line with Government notice published Friday 4th June with effect from the 5th June 2020.

    "The Superintendent of Public Health notifies that, in accordance with paragraph (c) of the proviso to regulation 2 of the Travel Ban (Extension to All Countries) Order, an exemption from the provisions of the said order is hereby issued with effect from the 5th of June, 2020, with regards to transiting yachts with only crew on board, from countries outside Malta, with the objective of berthing in Maltese ports for the purpose of refuelling, repairs, servicing, flagging, customs procedures and other ancillary necessities."

    If the crew has been for more than two weeks out at sea, testing on arrival for SARS-CoV2 will be required. Swab test result is to be referred to the Port Health Medic (PHM).  No contact with others may occur until cleared and a "Free Pratique" is granted by the Port Health Medic (PHM).

  5. Possibility to call at a repair facility/boatyard for repairs/refurbishment/services Such activities are permitted subject to the conditions listed under point 4.
  6. Possibility to call at a port for services (with crew only-no passengers) Until further notice requests will be taken in consideration by port health authorities on a case by case basis. Request must include last 5 ports of call.
  7. Possibility to call at a port to proceed to a ship repair facility (with crew only) Similar to procedure outlined under point 6.
  8. Request for ships, passenger ships or cruise liner with no passengers, crew only to call at an anchorage or to make use of port for services Permitted subject to a satisfactory Maritime Declaration of Health. Crew are to remain on board at all times. Conditions may apply.
  9. Services include: bunkers, waste disposal (port reception facility service), provisions & supplies, ship's spares, fresh water and technical services Boarding of surveyors and technical personnel on board ships in port or at an anchorage. Such activities are permitted. Same protocol as STS Port Notice. Crew is not to come in direct contact with boarding personnel.
  10. Crew changes Such activity is not permitted. However, requests to be submitted to Port Health Medic for due consideration.

Originally published 09 July, 2020

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