Registering a ship
It is relatively straightforward to register a ship in Malta. A ship is first provisionally registered for six months, while the documentation is finalised. You need to submit some documents, such as proof of ownership, to provisionally register your ship, followed by more documents, such as a builder’s certificate, during the time it is provisionally registered. You may register your ship at the Registrar of Ships, Malta Transport Centre, Marsa.
For a full list of documents needed and for more information, click here.
Registering a yacht/small ship
In order to register a yacht or a small ship, you need to have completed the training course by the MCAST Maritime Institute or have a Nautical Licence. You will also need other documents such as proof of ownership and a photo of your vessel, which are to be presented at the Small Ships Register at the Ports and Yachting Directorate, Malta Transport Centre, Marsa.
Getting a Nautical Licence
You need a Nautical Licence if you plan on driving a small ship with an engine or engines with a combined power of 30HP or more, and/or if you’re towing a water skier.
To get a Nautical Licence you need to attend a Basic Seamanship and Safe Boathandling Course or present other certificates of competency. Once you have the required qualifications, you can apply for your Licence at the Small Ships Office at the Malta Transport Centre in Marsa by presenting your documents.
Details can be found here.
Safety and Security at Sea
It is important to follow the safety and security regulations while at sea to ensure you, as well as nearby vessels and swimmers, are safe. Before you set sail, make sure you are aware of Swimmers’ Zones, anchoring and mooring boundaries. Don’t forget to take your VHF radio with you and always leave details of your planned trip with someone else.
For a full list of precautions and regulations, click here.
Notice to Mariners
Keep yourself up to date on the latest seafaring news by regularly checking the Notices to Mariners. Here you will be updated of diving operations, fireworks displays, marine surveys and so on in the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Malta.
Maritime and Port Security
The regulations mapped out in The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities are there so that ships and port facilities can co-operate to pick up on and prevent anything which could threaten security in the maritime transport sector. They apply to vessels such as passenger ships and high-speed passenger boats.
The details are here.
Maritime Regulated Regulations
All the Maritime Regulated Regulations, such as those regarding carrying goods by sea, berthing locations, transporting animals by sea, radio communication and sea pollution, can be found here.
Berthing Facilities
Berths or anchorage for all vessels calling in Maltese ports and territorial waters have been allocated by the Transport Authority’s Ports and Yachting Directorate. Ships’ agents are on hand to help and offer a wide number of services for your vessel. Here are the main berthing facilities.
Finding a Port in Malta
There are two main ports in Malta: one in Valletta and the other in Marsaxlokk. Malta’s second largest island, Gozo, has one port in Mgarr. A number of other ports occasionally host ships on international voyages, usually passenger vessels. The two Maltese ports offer maritime services such as towage, salvage, pilotage, victualling and all kinds of stores and supplies.
Marinas in Malta
The clear, glistening waters of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Malta’s shores are a delight to any yachtsman. In maintaining Malta as an excellent yachting centre, Transport Malta has granted the management of marinas.
