The realisation!

So, having realised that I had ordered a weapon that would be eventually be in my possession illegally and would not be allowed to use


Weapon Licence: to legally use and be in possession of a speargun / harpoon you may need to acquire a relevant weapons licence.  In Malta you MUST have a licence to be in possession and to use the weapon


In Malta the procedure is very simple, and I would suggest you purchase the weapon from a local store. They can help you complete the documentation and licencing can take as little as a 2 weeks to receive your licence.


Weapon Licence Application (Malta): If you bring your weapon with you and need to apply, then you should go to the Police HQ in Valletta with the weapon.  Hand in the weapon and apply for the licence.  It must be the HQ regardless of what any other officer tells you!


Restrictions: depending on the local environment laws there are areas where I spear fisherman cannot go.  This will be for reasons of safety reasons or conservation.



There is much information here regarding rules and regulations.  You may meet some like minded fisherfriends here too.


http://www.maltafishingforum.com/ 




Breathing: in most countries to use your speargun you are not allowed to use breathing assistance, i.e. Scuba.  Which means we must dive to depths on a breath of air.  This of course can be dangerous, so training and safety is paramount.


Diving without assistance is often called Apnea or Freediving.  There are many resources online, below are just a couple:


http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=27297 




20 Safety Rules when diving
http://www.freedivers.net/documents/Training%2020%20Safety%20Rules.pdf


Diving on one breath of air can be dangerous.  There is a phenomenon known as Shallow Water Blackout.  Divers can blackout while underwater and death by drowning if not rescued in time is very possible.


Strength: those banded guns are pretty hard to load! Make sure the gun you buy is not too big, you will have trouble loading her if you are not that strong or you are small.  My height being 5' 8" and of  slim build, the 75cm is a good size.