The vessel is first provisionally registered under the Malta flag for six months (extendible for a further period, or periods not exceeding in the aggregate six months) during which time permanent registration needs to be finalised.


Provisional Registration:

The procedure to register a vessel is relatively straightforward. Requirements for provisional registration include:

• The completion of an "Application Form for Registration"
• An application for a "Change of Name", if required
• A "Declaration of Ownership" made before the Registrar
• "Proof of Qualification" to own a Maltese ship - in the case of body corporate, the Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Evidence of seaworthiness; in the case of trading vessels, confirmation of class with a recognised Classification Society, and information
...of the ship statutory certification including ISM compliance
• Application for Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
• Application for Ship Radio Station Licence
• A copy of the Ship's International Tonnage Certificate
• Payment of registration and tonnage tax fees.


During the period of provisional registry, certain documents are to be submitted to the Registrar including

A Builder's Certificate if the vessel has not been registered elsewhere; otherwise, a Bill of Sale or any other document by which the vessel was transferred to the present owner;

• A Deletion Certificate from the last country of registry showing the vessel to be free from any encumbrances;
• copy of the last updated Continuous Synopsis Record issued by the Administration where the ship was last registered;
• A Certificate of Survey and a copy of the International Tonnage Certificate that the vessel has been surveyed in accordance with Maltese ...
..regulations;
• A Carving and Marking Note giving evidence that the vessel has been marked in accordance with the law;
• A crew list accompanied by copies of the officers' certificates of competency.

Permanent Registration:

Requirements for Permanent Registration includes:

• Original Builders' Certificate, or Bill of Sale, as the case may be
• Deletion Certificate from the previous Registry
• Ship's Carving and Marking Note to be returned duly signed and completed by Class Surveyor
• Undertaking in favour of Registrar of Shipping to return the Provisional Certificate of Registration following the issuance of the Permanent .. ----Registration Certificate.
• Proof that the Ship has been issued with such valid certificates required by International Conventions (including protocols, annexes & .....
..appendices thereto) which have been ratified or acceded to or accepted by the Government of Malta
• Copy International Tonnage Certificate
• Original Certificate of Survey