transport malta yacht code

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Commercial Yacht Code

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The Commercial Yacht Code was developed in line with international regulations and other industry standards and caters for yachts of 15 metres in overall length and that do not carry cargo and do not carry more than 12 passengers. Over the years the Code has been proving very successful with leading IACS recognised Classification Societies and major yacht builders. The Code was developed in such a way to facilitate it’s use by surveyors as well as non-technical personnel involved in the day to day management of yachts and superyachts.

An initial survey is required to draw up records of compliance with the code. Alternative arrangements may be discussed between the surveyor and the Administration through a transparent and recorded procedure. Upon complying with the Code, the Administration issues a Certificate of Compliance to Trade as a Commercial Yacht enabling operational registration. Compliance surveys may be carried out by one of the appointed ship surveyors or by a recognised organisation.

All yachts below 24 metres in length have to undergo an intermediate survey whilst yachts larger or equal to 24 meters in length have to undergo annual surveys.

The Certificate of Compliance is renewable every five years and surveys may be carried out by an Appointed Ship Surveyors or by a Recognised Organisation,

During a renewal survey a survey similar to the one carried out during initial survey must be carried out.

• MS Notice 164 - Revision of the Commercial Yacht Code 2020
• Commercial Yacht Code 2020
• Synopsis of amendments to the Malta Commercial Yacht Code

Commercial Yacht Code 2020

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The new malta passenger yacht code.

May 31, 2021 Leave a Comment

On the 24 th May 2021 the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta published Merchant Shipping Notice 171 notifying the industry that the Malta Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) will enter into force on the 25 th May 2021. The code was drawn up following consultation with industry stakeholders.

Prior to the entry into force of the PYC, commercial yachts registered under the Malta flag and carrying more than 12 passengers were required to satisfy requirements similar to those for passenger ships since they fall outside the scope of the Malta Commercial Yacht Code. Due to the increasing size of commercial yachts and the onerous requirements applicable to passengers ships, the Merchant Shipping Directorate recognised the need to develop a code which specifically caters for larger commercial yachts carrying more than 12 passengers. The PYC caters for a number of equivalencies specifically designed for passenger yachts which carry more than 12 passengers and up to 36 passengers, do not carry more than 200 persons, do not carry cargo and are engaged on international voyages.

This is a welcome development since it addresses technical issues and concerns faced by whoever wishes to register larger commercial yachts under the Malta flag.

The PYC may be found here: https://www.transport.gov.mt/Passenger-Yacht-Code-PYC.pdf-f6340

By Lara Saguna Axiaq, Fenech & Fenech Advocates

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Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) 2021 updates by Transport Malta

Transport Malta Directorate recently announced the introduction of a new Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) which is effective and came into force on the 25th May 2021.  This relates to Passenger Yachts which carry between 13 and 36 Passengers (but not more than 200 persons), which do not carry cargo and which are engaged on international voyages.

It is a widely recognised fact that when considering the operational pattern and risk profile of yachts, the requirements for commercial passenger ships are in some instances disproportionately onerous and technically impracticable in terms of design. Moreover, as large commercial yachts grow in size, the 12-passenger limitation has become a limitation hence the development of this new Code; drawn up in consultation with various industry stake holders including yacht designers, yacht builders, yacht managers, repair yards, specialised service providers and manufacturers and Appointed Surveyors and Recognised Organisations, as a wider representation of the industry.

This Code contains a set of equivalencies issued under the provisions of Article 8 of the International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL), 1966 and Regulation I-5 of the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The PYC Code and Synopsis by Transport Malta may be downloaded via the link.

Contact us here for free consultation on the Registration of your yacht.

Please note that Commercial Yachts carrying 12 or less passengers shall comply with the requirements of the Commercial Yacht Code (CYC), as amended.

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• Transport Malta launches consultation on the Malta Passenger Yacht Code

The Authority for Transport in Malta has launched a consultation process aimed at revising the 12 passenger limitation on board yachts.

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As part of the Consultation process Transport Malta launched the Malta Passenger Yacht Code 2020.

The Malta Passenger Yacht Code 2020 is aimed and intended for Passenger Yachts ≥ 500 GT, carrying between 12 to 36 passengers and not more than 200 persons, which do not carry cargo and which are engaged on international voyages. 

The Malta Passenger Yacht Code 2020 has been drawn up by the Authority for Transport in Malta, in consultation with various industry stakeholders including yacht designers, yacht builders, repair yards, specialised service providers and manufacturers and Appointed Surveyors and Recognised Organisations, as a wider representation of the industry

E-mails with feedback/suggestions may be sent to [email protected] . The consultation process will end on February 2021.

Anthony Pace

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KPMG in Malta

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Paul Pace Ross

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The Shipping Sector represents one of the main pillars of the economy in Malta.

Rules for the Charter of Yachts Over 24 Metres under the Malta Flag

The purpose of this guide is to provide information concerning the flag state rules applicable to Malta registered yachts over 24 metres in load line length that are operated for charter through the Malta Commercial Yacht Code.

The Malta Commercial Yacht Code was launched in 2006 and last updated in 2020 by Transport Malta.

Transport Malta are the authority of the Malta government holding responsibility and accountability for land, sea and air transport in Malta including the development and oversight of Maltese merchant shipping regulations and their enforcement.

A copy of the Malta Commercial Yacht Code 2020 can be accessed at the following link:

Malta Commercial Yacht Code CYC 2020

All commercial yachts over 24 metres in length are issued with a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate. Transport Malta has, over the years, built considerable experience in this field. Malta recognises training and certification from the most reputable training establishments and countries. There are no restrictions on the nationality of the crew.

All yachts covered by the Code are required to be surveyed, certified and maintained in accordance to their respective category requirements. An Initial Survey is first carried out when a commercial yacht is joining the Malta flag for the first time. Upon satisfactory completion of the Initial Survey a 5 year valid Certificate of Compliance to Trade as a Commercial Yacht (COC) is issued.

Subsequent to Initial Certification, during the 5 year validity of the COC, yachts less than 24m length have to undergo an Intermediate Survey whilst yachts greater or equal to 24m in length have to undergo annual surveys. The COC is renewable every five years and surveys may be carried out by Appointed Surveyors or by Recognised Organisations.

Red Ensign large yacht coded vessels  and ‘Codice dell Noleggio’ certified charter yachts transferring to the Malta Registry may be issued with an operational Commercial Yacht Code Certificate, immediately, upon the initial application for a period of three months to complete any necessary surveys and formalities.

It should be remembered that the coding of a yacht used for charter is only one stage of the process and that advice should always be taken in respect of local legal and fiscal obligations prior to the commencement of any commercial activity.

Oceanskies in conjunction with our partner surveyors is able to provide a complete charter yacht registration package combining commercial Malta flag yacht registration with coding certification and the employment of crew through Oceanskies Crew Limited in a Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) environment and, where applicable, with deduction and payment of Malta social security contributions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

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Introduction of the Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC) 2024

Transport Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate has announced the implementation of the Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC) through Commercial Yachting Notice 12, effective from March 20th, 2024. This code is specifically designed for small commercial yachts ranging from 12 to 24 meters in length, catering to vessels engaged in commercial operations with a passenger limit of 12.

Key Features of sCYC:

• The sCYC substitutes the provisions of the Commercial Yacht Code 2020 for commercial yachts under 24 meters.
• It applies exclusively to commercial yachts with hull lengths of 12 to 24 meters, extending the registration scope under the Malta flag to vessels starting from 12 meters.
• Existing commercial yachts certified under the CYC must transition to the sCYC by their first renewal survey conducted on or after June 1st, 2024.

Transition Process:

• Yachts transitioning to the sCYC must adhere to specified surveys and inspections outlined in the code.
• Upon successful completion, Merchant shipping directorate will be issued a Small Commercial Yacht Certificate.

Extended Range Tender Guidelines:

In conjunction with the sCYC, Transport Malta also released Commercial Yachting Notice 2 Rev.1, which pertains to the Commercial Yachts Extended Range Tender Guidelines. These guidelines, effective from April 1st, 2024, apply to Malta Flag Commercial Yachts’ Tenders that are 24 meters and under in length and are exclusively engaged in the business of the Mother Yacht.

Compliance Requirements:

• Existing Extended Range Yacht Tenders must comply with the revised guidelines by their Mother Yacht’s first periodical survey on or after June 1st, 2024.
• Guidelines are to be applied alongside the requirements outlined in Section 22 of the CYC, as amended, and Section 19 of the sCYC, as amended.

The introduction of the sCYC and the revised Extended Range Tender Guidelines underscores Transport Malta’s commitment to enhancing safety standards and regulatory practices within the yachting industry. Should you wish to schedule a meeting please do not hesitate to call SMM Group on +35621237167, by sending an email to [email protected], or by filling in our contact form .

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Malta Introduced Small Commercial Yacht Code

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Transport Malta enacted the Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC) on March 20, 2024, through a Commercial Yachting Notice (CY12) . The Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC) was developed in collaboration with various industry stakeholders, including Yacht Builders, Yacht Owners, Yacht Repair Yards, Specialised Service Providers, Manufacturers, Recognised Organisations, Appointed Government Surveyors, Yacht Management Companies and Associations to represent the industry as a whole.

The sCYC's objective is to further enhance regulatory standards to reflect better the yachting industry's needs, demands, and technology changes. It seeks to accommodate the special characteristics of small commercial boats while guaranteeing adherence to international safety norms.

Effective April 1, 2024, the sCYC will cater exclusively for small commercial yachts operating in the commercial sector and measuring between 12 and 24 metres in length, with a maximum of 12 passengers. Owners of commercial yachts falling under the sCYC can register them with the Merchant Shipping Directorate as of April 1, 2024.

As of June 1, 2024, existing commercial yachts under 24 metres in length that have already received certification under the Commercial Yacht Code are required to adhere to the sCYC's criteria by the time of their first renewal survey.

Should you require additional information regarding the Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC) and the Commercial Yachting Notice (CY12), or if you are interested in discussing other particular circumstances, such as yacht importation, yacht ownership structure setup, or any other Yachting & Shipping Services , please get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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