Advice on Malta

[Tony M]

has anyone dived Malta, I could use some info on a good company to hire cylinders and weights etc as well as take me to some good sites. I have heard that you need to complete an application form to dive in Malta, if so where can I get this form?

[Adrian Kelland]

has anyone dived Malta, I could use some info on a good company to hire cylinders and weights etc as well as take me to some good sites. I have heard that you need to complete an application form to dive in Malta, if so where can I get this form?

Tony

I used Maltaqua many years ago, no problems then.

As for licence, have a look at the link below.

Adrian

[Mike Halligan]

Tony,

As Adrian has mentioned, the dive permit is a well established regime. I can also vouch that the emergency cover part-funded by this system is excellent.

My personal experience (of Calypso in Gozo) was of the highest standard, well worth considering when you've read the relevant books. It does appear that Gozo has the better sites, Comino and that tug-thing both within reach.

Mike

[Dave Barratt]

Assuming thatt you have never dived Malta before, I would suggest that you go to a recognised local school and dive with them on accompanied dives - at least to start with. I have always used Maltaqua and they have looked after me very well.
If you are diving with their guide, you won't need a Malta diving permit - that's only if you want to dive unaccompanied.
You will buy a package of dives - shore or boat, or a combination of both. The dive school will supply tank and weight (and rent you other gear if you need it)
One thing you will need is a valid medical - self cert isn't good enough. This can be arranged when you arrive in Malta for a fraction of the cost of a UK diving medical.
Enjoy!

has anyone dived Malta, I could use some info on a good company to hire cylinders and weights etc as well as take me to some good sites. I have heard that you need to complete an application form to dive in Malta, if so where can I get this form?

[David Martin]

I've just organised a club trip to Malta for 24 people. They are there at the moment, but I'm not :-( They're at Maltaqua, who we've used for several years. I'd agree with the suggestion to use a local school, for kit and boats. However our qualified divers haven't felt the need to be guided, as most of the shore dives are easy to find. If you go on a boat, a decent skipper is obviously useful! This will depend on you.

If you are diving with their guide, you won't need a Malta diving permit - that's only if you want to dive unaccompanied.

You get the permit out there, it's a nominal sum of a couple of pounds, but take a passport photo (or possibly 2) out with you for it.

One thing you will need is a valid medical - self cert isn't good enough. This can be arranged when you arrive in Malta for a fraction of the cost of a UK diving medical.

You can get a medical done in Malta. If it's just you, then it won't take too long. If there are several divers without medicals you could waste a lot of your first day with the doctor and get rather annoyed. In which case doing it before you go is sensible.

Final point, (which you didn't ask about) you'll have a much better time getting around if you hire a jeep, taxis are expensive and buses are infrequent and a hassle. Just don't leave *anything* in them. Maltaqua will pick up from the airport, if you're just doing guided dives I think road transport is included.

David

[Nick M]

I do loads of diving there (I live there, but work in the UK). I would definitiely go with a school for the first trip unless you have someone with local knowledge (in fact, let me know when you plan to go there in case I'm there - more than happy to act as a guide..!), but it the choice of School depends on what sort of holiday you want.

Maltaqua is great, but there area (St Pauls - Qawra-Bugibba)is a bit naff. Divewise is another well established School in St Julians were there is a lot more nightlife and great restaurants, it's also more central for a lot of the dive sites.

Gozo is fantastic, but I'm not too sure about School, but it is very quiet.

Swings and roundabouts!

Give me a shout on <a href="mailto:scubaguy@btopenworld.com">scubaguy@btopenworld.com</a> for more info.

Nick

[Katharine Webb]

I visited Malta last summer, and was recommended a dive school called Dive Deep Blue in Qawra/Bugibba. Although a small operation, they were all very friendly and designed a dive programme specifically for us. We were very impressed and would recommend them to everyone.See link below.