Practice Areas > Aviation & Shipping > Shipping & Ship Registration > Ship Registration > Eligibility
Procedure
Ship registration in Malta take place in 2 stages. There is an initial provisional registration wherein a vessel is provisionally registered under the Malta flag for a period of 6 months (which can be extended upon request made to the authorities) and a subsequent permanent registration after the submission of all the required necessary documentation.
Ships which are between 10 and 15 years old shall be inspected (and must pass said inspection) by an authorised flag state inspector before or within 1 month of provisional registration and ships of 15 years and over are required to pass an inspection by an authorised flag state prior to being provisionally registered. Finally, generally, trading ships which are 25 years and older are not registered unless specific approval is granted by the Registrar.
Requirements for Registration
Requirements for Registration
The requirements for provisional registration include, amongst others:
- proof of qualification to own a Maltese ship;
- in the case of non-Maltese owners, appointment of a resident agent;
- copy of International Tonnage Certificate;
- declaration of ownership made in front of the Registrar by the owner or authorised representative;
- adequate evidence of seaworthiness;
- payment of initial registration fees and annual tonnage tax; and
- application for Ship Radio Station Licence.
During the provisional registration, the applicant is obliged to submit other documentation, including, inter alia, a bill of sale or any other document by which the vessel was transferred to the applicant for registry, in the case there was previous ownership or otherwise a builder’s certificate in the name of the applicant and cancellation of registry certificate issued by the administration where the vessel was last documented.
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How we can help
Gonzi & Associates, Advocates is able to assist you with all aspects relating to the following shipping services:
- Incorporation of shipping organisations;
- Registration and transfer of vessels under the Malta flag;
- Registration and advising on bareboat charters;
- Registration, transfer, amendment and discharge of Maltese statutory mortgages;
- Assistance in marine litigation including within the ambit of arrest of vessels and enforcement of claims against vessels in Maltese territorial waters and the enforcement of Maltese & foreign registered mortgages and other security;
- Legal services in relation to vessel financing;
- Assistance with crew services including endorsing of crew certification and drafting, reviewing & vetting of seafarer’s employment agreements; and
- Advising as regards the taxation of shipping companies.