On Wednesday 1st July, the Yachting Services Business Section Executive Board met with Superintendent of Health Prof. Charmaine Gauci and the Director at the Environmental Health Directorate, Dr Clive Tonna.

The Executive Board called this meeting to discuss several issues that arose during the pandemic within the yachting industry and debated the different scenarios that stakeholders were currently experiencing.

Prof. Gauci clarified various measures that have come to effect in recent weeks and explained the mitigating steps that were in place. Discussions also ensued with regard to the practical handling of requests for the entry and transiting of yachts in Malta going forward.

Chairman of the Yachting Services Business Section, Dr Alison Vassallo said that “With the easing of restrictions in light of the enviable track record attained by Malta in the handling of the pandemic, and considering the controlled environment that yachting lends itself to as regards adherence to preventive measures, the various sectors that are dependent on this industry can work together to welcome yachts to our shores while fully respecting applicable legislation and protocols. “

The Executive Board members present for this meeting were Dr Alison Vassallo, Mr Peter Fiorini Lowell, Mr Matthew Gusman and Mr Niki Travers Tauss.

As of yesterday (1st July), crew changes to and from Malta were permitted with respect to persons (including crew members) travelling from the list of countries as listed in the Travel Ban (Extension to all Countries) (Amendment) Order 2020 (Legal Notice 244 of 2020). These countries include France (with the exception of Ile-de-France), Italy (with the exception of Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and Piemonte), Greece, Croatia and Spain.

This is applicable to people who had been in that particular country for a minimum of 2 weeks. Therefore, crew changes could also be considered when the persons involved are not residents of the specific countries listed in the Legal Notice. Crew changes involving such persons may be planned and the necessary travel arrangements made accordingly.

Chairperson of the Yachting Services Business Section, Dr Alison Vassallo had previously said that:

“The Yachting Services Business Section has been in close contact with the authorities throughout the pandemic with a view to finding workable solutions to rekindle the Malta yacht industry and allow it to re-start its activity just in time for the summer months.

“The fact that yachting is a low risk activity coupled with Malta’s international praise for its response in curtailing the virus has meant that we are now in a position to welcome yachts back to our shores while ensuring compliance with the preventive measures recommended by the Authorities”.