The weather chart here gives you an idea of what to expect and when to expect it, and might help you decide whether it’s your 3mm shortie or your 5mm long suit to bring with you!

Maltese Diving Regulations

Since Malta joined the EU in 2004, the Maltese Diving Regulations have been changed. 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.

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.

If you need a medical after filling in the questionnaire we can arrange one for you by a qualified diving medic for a small fee.

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

Boat licences

Currently, anyone wishing to drive a boat with more than an 80hp motor must have a licence issued by the Malta Maritime Authority. This is set to change over the course of the next two years so that eventually, ALL powerboat users will be required to have a licence, including jetskis and 3hp runabouts. Foreigners wishing to obtain a licence can either:

• Apply to the MMA and sit the entire two week course or
• Bring their qualification and sit a one-hour orientation course. This can be arranged in advance.

There are a few areas of the Maltese Coast where diving is prohibited because of heavy shipping, environmental or archaeological reasons. It is the divers' responsibility to ascertain whether their intended site is permitted. Ask at the dive centre.

The removal of archaeological artefacts is a criminal offence, as is breaking the diving regulations. The use of a spear gun (which is classified as a weapon) without a licence is also a criminal offence.

for the full version please go to http://www.pdsa.org.mt/diveregulations.htm