Malta Flag Registration Process and Resources

Malta Flag Registration Options

Under the Malta Flag, a yacht can be registered as Private or Commercial.

Private Registration

A private registered yacht is any pleasure yacht if it satisfies the following criteria:

·       It is 6 metres in length or more

·       It does not carry passengers for reward and is not engaged in trade but is used for the sole purpose of the owner.

Commercial Registration

A commercially registered yacht is considered a yacht as long as it fulfils the following criteria:

·       It is 15 metres in length or more.

·       It does not carry cargo.

·       It does not exceed a maximum of 12 passengers

·       It is operated by the owner or body corporate owning the yacht for commercial use.

The following classes of yachts will be considered for commercial registration:

  • Yachts in commercial use of not less than 15 metres in length and not more than 24 metres.

  • Superyachts in commercial use of more than 24 metres in length and less than 500 gross tonnes.

  • Superyachts in commercial use of more than 24 metres in length and 500 gross tonnes and over.

Yacht registration whether private or commercial is straight forward process. Yachts are first registered provisionally under the Malta Flag for six months (extendible for a further period) during which period all documentation needs to be finalised.

Here is a link to the Malta passenger yacht code for large yachts.

Registration Procedure

We will need the following documentation in order to register your vessel under a Malta flag:

A yacht is first registered provisionally under the Malta flag for six months (extendible) during this period all documentation needs to be submitted.

The requirements for provisional registration are:

  • Application for registration by the owner or an authorised representative, including, if required, application for change of name of yacht.

  • Proof of qualification to own a Maltese Yacht; in the case of a body corporate, the document of incorporation.

  • In the case of non-resident owners, appointment of a resident agent

  • Where applicable, copy of the current yacht’s International Tonnage Certificate

  • Declaration of ownership made in front of the Registrar by the owner or an authorised representative.

  • For Commercial yachts of more than 24 metres, application for Minimum Safe Manning Certificate.

  • Application for Ship Radio Station Licence.

  • Compliance with Commercial Yacht Code for operational certificate.

  • Payment of initial registration fees and annual tonnage tax.

The following documents are to be submitted during provisional registration:

  • Where there was previous ownership, a bill of sale or any other document by which the vessel was transferred to the applicant for registry; otherwise a builder’s certificate in the name of the applicant.

  • Where applicable, cancellation of registry certificate issued by the Administration where the yacht was last documented.

  • In cases of commercial yachts over 500 gross tonnes, copy of the last updated Continuous Synopsis Record issued by the Administration where the yacht was last documented.

  • Certificate of Survey and a copy of the International Tonnage Certificate issued by an Appointed Surveyor or Recognised Organisation.

  • Evidence that the yacht has been marked in accordance with law.

  • Where applicable, copy CE Marking Certificate.

Where valid appropriate convention certificates are not in place the yacht will be issued with a non-operational certificate of registry.

A certificate of Malta registry is subject to renewal on the anniversary of the Maltese registration.

Here is a link to Transport Malta, with further information on the process.

Yacht Crew and Manning

There are no restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers and crew engaged on Maltese yachts and superyachts. A commercially registered superyacht of more than 24 metres in length will be issued with a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate following receipt and review of the application for a safe manning document. Commercial yachts of not more than 24 metres in length are not issued with a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, however, shall comply with the minimum manning requirements as set in the Commercial Yacht Code.

Foreign certificates issued in terms of the STCW 78 Convention (as amended), require an endorsement issued by the Maltese Administration attesting their recognition. On case, by case basis, other yacht certifications may be accepted.