Transport Malta has issued updated guidance clarifying when a Malta Flag endorsement is required for Certificates of Competency (CoC), as outlined in Commercial Yachting Notice 15. This is particularly relevant for yacht owners, managers, and crew operating under the Malta flag.
Understanding When an Endorsement is Required
Malta recognises both STCW and certain non-STCW qualifications under the Commercial Yacht Code (CYC) 2025 and the Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC). However, the requirements differ depending on the type of certificate held and the role onboard.
For officer positions—including Master, Chief Officer, Officer of the Watch (OOW), Chief Engineer, and Second Engineer—the key distinction is whether the individual holds an STCW Certificate of Competency:
STCW CoCs issued by non-Maltese administrations generally require a Malta Flag endorsement, provided the issuing country is recognised by Malta.
If the STCW certificate is not from a recognised administration, it will not be accepted for officer roles.
In some cases, written confirmation from the Directorate is required before proceeding with an endorsement application.
For non-STCW qualifications—such as Master of Yachts or Approved Engine Course (AEC)—a formal endorsement is not issued. Instead, operators must obtain written acceptance from the Directorate on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Considerations
Several operational factors can influence whether an endorsement is required:
• Yacht limitations: If the vessel’s specifications (such as tonnage, power, or navigation area) exceed the limitations stated on a CoC, further approval may be necessary.
• Deck officers: Non-Maltese STCW deck officers must also hold a valid GMDSS certificate.
• Assistant engineers:
– Non-STCW qualifications require written confirmation.
– STCW-certified engineers are strongly advised to obtain a Malta endorsement to avoid issues during Port State Control inspections.
• Dual roles: Any crew member serving in a dual capacity must receive formal written approval from the Directorate.
Requirement for Yacht Ratings and Crew
For yacht ratings, the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC) requires at least basic STCW training (Regulation VI/1), including:
• Personal survival techniques
• Fire prevention and firefighting
• Elementary first aid
• Personal safety and social responsibility
Additionally, security awareness certification (STCW VI/6) is mandatory for all crew on yachts of 500GT or more, including hotel staff such as stewards and cooks.
Key Compliance Points
Any officer holding a non-Maltese STCW CoC must have a valid Malta endorsement, even if the role is not explicitly required by the vessel’s MSMC.
Where a crew member holds both STCW and non-STCW qualifications, each must be treated separately—with endorsements required for STCW certificates and written confirmation for non-STCW ones.
All original certificates and endorsements must be retained onboard and readily available for inspection at all times.
Summary
In practical terms:
• STCW CoCs (non-Maltese) → Malta endorsement required
• Non-STCW CoCs → Written confirmation required
• Dual roles → Written confirmation required
• Yacht ratings → Must hold basic STCW certification
Ensuring compliance with these requirements is essential to avoid delays, port state control issues, or operational disruptions.
Please review the full Commercial Yacht Notice 15 for full details.
Vassallo Associates can advise on all legal and technical aspects of your maritime organisation. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.