The Maltese Merchant Shipping Directorate has recently issued a notice to all ship owners, operators, managers, masters, owners’ representatives as well as recognised organisations, stating that guidelines for ascertaining the seaworthiness of vessels that are to be registered beneath the Malta flag were reviewed.
Merchant ships over 25 years will not be accepted on the register, while merchant ships over 15 years old are subject to an inspection prior to registration. This is to be carried out by an authorised flag state inspector. When inspection is carried out upon registration (with the Directorate’s permission), a non-operational provisional certificate of registry shall be issued.
Ships that are 10 years or older but less than 15 years old also need to undergo inspection carried out by an authorised inspector, however, within one month of registration. Owners may choose a pre-registration inspection upon paying the relevant fees.
Applications for registration will be considered in accordance to the following criteria:
- The ship is in class or in the process of being classed by a recognised classification body;
- The receipt of an updated class survey status report or information confirming the validity of current statutory certificates, including details of any pending recommendations, granted exemptions, acceptance of equivalents or otherwise, related to class and statutory certificates;
- Receipt of affirmation by the relative class that the ship is worthy of being issued with all appropriate statutory certificates without recommendations;
- The receipt of satisfactory information on the performance of ISM managers managing the ship in question.
Other than the standard applicable costs of inspection, other unforeseen costs such as higher inspection fees, travel expenses, supplementary and ancillary fees will be at an extra charge and also need to be factored in. In addition, the final decision on the seaworthiness of a vessel remains at the discretion of the Directorate.
