Once owners comply with the standards set out in the PYC; that is, they submit the necessary documentation and complete the designated survey and inspections, the Maltese Flag Authorities would issue the vessel with a Statutory Certificate.
Additionally, all passenger yachts must be classed by a RO and must maintain valid classification throughout the validity period of the yacht’s statutory certificate. The applicable RO Rules for classification purposes are those used for the classification of passenger ships. Upon the satisfactory completion of all the required surveys or audits, the yacht’s RO would issue a certificate confirming compliance with the Malta PYC.
Passenger Yachts certified under the remit of the PYC may carry out International (Unrestricted) Voyages or Short International Voyages, as defined by SOLAS.
It should be noted that existing Commercial yachts registered with the Malta flag, may convert to passenger yachts subject that they meet all the requirements of the PYC and of the applicable passenger ship Conventions.
The introduction of the PYC is undoubtedly a welcome development for those who are desirous to register larger commercial yachts under the Malta flag as it tackles many of the technical issues and concerns which were previously faced by prospective registrants.