Transport and Communications

In terms of the Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act (Cap. 399), an individual licence is required for the installation or use of equipment on vessels which do not fall under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention such as pleasure yachts/fishing vessels, unless the equipment is licence exempt or is regulated by a general authorisation. Non-compliance with this requirement is a breach of the said Act. A ship station licence is an international document, which shall be kept current at all times, and any discrepancies in the document will render the licence invalid. The original ship station licence should be kept on board the ship at all times and be available for viewing by appropriate authorities if required.

Application to obtain a Certificate of Competency to serve on board the following commercial vessels operating within ports, internal, and territorial waters of Malta:
i) Boatman – Dual qualification to act as master and/or engineer of vessels less than 10 metres capable of carrying 12 passengers or less.
ii) Boatmaster Grade 2 – Dual qualification to act as master and/or engineer of vessels less than 12 metres in length and with engines up to 250 kW.
iii) Boatmaster Grade 1 – Master of vessels less than 24 metres in length.
iv) Mate – Bridge Watchkeeper and Deputy Master.
v) Master – Master of vessels of 24 metres in length and over.
vi) Engine Driver Grade 3 – Engineer of vessels with propulsion machinery of maximum continuous power of less than 500 kW.
vii) Engine Driver Grade 2 – Engineer of vessels with propulsion machinery of maximum continuous power of less than 750 kW.
viii) Engine Driver Grade 1 – Engineer of vessels with propulsion machinery of maximum continuous power of less than 1500 kW.
ix) Engineer – Chief Engineer of vessels with propulsion machinery of continuous power of 1500 kW and over. Individuals wanting to revalidate their Certificate of Competency.

Application for Able Seafarer Deck/Engine, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats, Efficient Deck Hand Certificate.

Particulars of Service at Sea as a Deck Rating:
- For the issue of an EDH certificate, service shown must total not less than 12 months.
- For the issue of an AB certificate the total sea service is 24 months of which at least 18 months should have been with the deck department or 36 months as a General Purpose rating of which 12 months was on deck duties.

Certificate of Competence for a Master/Chief Mate/Officer in charge of a Navigational Watch/Chief Engineer/Second Engineer/Officer in charge of an Engineering Watch.

Application for a seaman's book.

The permission to install or transfer a Marine VHF (Very High Frequency) radio on board of a new vessel.

Evidence that the applicant is medically fit to serve on a commercial vessel.

A certificate which is issued in compliance with the International Convention of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and the Merchant Shipping Regulations. This certificate will indicate the number and grading of the personnel on board the vessel.

Permit to act as an instructor within a water sport operation. ​ ​