Merchant Shipping (Fishing Vessel Safety) Rules.

The present rules adopt the measures laid down in Council Directive 97/70/EC of 11 December 1997 setting up a harmonized safety regime for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over. The scope of the present rules encompasses seagoing Maltese fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over, as well as other seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over operating in the internal or territorial waters of Malta, or landing their catch in Malta. Recreational craft engaged in non commercial fishing are excluded. As a general rule, the provisions of the Annex to the Torremolinos Protocol shall apply. Article 7 regards controls.