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At GMC we pride ourselves on being avant-garde and see ourselves as a company that is proactive rather than reactive.  Over the years the portfolio over services we offer has grown tremendously and we will continue to offer the standard of service our clients have come to expect from us.

GM Corporate and
Fiduciary Services Ltd.
147/1, St. Lucia Street,
Valletta VLT 1185, Malta.
+(356) 2123 5341
info@gmint.com
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Shipping
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Provisional Registration:

Requirements:-

 

  • Inspection:-

Registration of trading ships of 15 years and over but less than 25 years is subject to a pre-registration inspection carried out by an authorised flag state inspector. The Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) may require such inspection to be carried out in dry-dock. When the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) allows the inspection to be carried out on registration only a non-operational provisional certificate of registry will be issued.

 

Ships of 10 years and over but less than 15 years shall be inspected by an official appointed by the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority). This may be carried out prior to the vessel’s registration at owners’ expense or within one month of vessel’s provisional registration at the expense of the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority). In the former case, should the vessel be found in a sub-standard condition, she will not qualify for registration. On the other hand, if the inspection is carried out after registration and found to be unsuitable for registration, the vessel may be deleted without refund of registration fees.

 

An inspection prior to vessel’s registration is subject to approval by the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) and will be carried out to determine whether vessel is eligible for registration under Malta flag upon receipt of the following requirements:

 

  • A copy of the Application for Registry should be completed and returned to us.
  • The ship being either in class or in the process of being classed with a recognised classification society; 
  • Receipt of an up-to-date class survey status report or, information on the validity or the current statutory certificates including details of any pending recommendations, or otherwise, related to both class and statutory certificates;
  • Receipt of an affirmation by the relative class that the ship is in a position to be issued with all the appropriate statutory certificates without recommendations; 
  • The receipt of appropriate information on the performance of the ISM managers that are to manage the ship;
  • A copy of the IOPP certificate including the supplement showing the phase out date (applicable to tankers).
  • The fee for pre-registration inspections, even when allowed to be carried out on registration (which do not include any travelling or other unforeseen expenses) shall be: 

• €500 on vessels less than 24 meters without cargo carrying capacity issued or qualified to, to be issued with a licence or permit to operate in terms of the Commercial Vessels Regulations; 

• €1,500 on non-propelled barges; and on vessels falling under category A.i (v) as provided in the First Schedule (Registration Fees) of the Merchant Shipping Act;

• €3,000 on ships owned or operated by companies that already own or operate 5 or more ships under the Malta flag;

• €5,000 on merchant ships of 500 gross tons and over which do not fall under category 1, 2 or 3 above.

 

Due to the fact that the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) has official inspectors in a limited number of ports, it is advisable to inform us of the vessel’s itinerary to enable us to check available ports. Once this is established, then the full address of the vessel’s agents is required in order for the inspector to co-ordinate matters directly with them.
 

The final decision on the seaworthiness or otherwise of the ship will remain at the discretion of the Directorate.

 

  • Evidence of the Vessel’s Seaworthiness:

This is done by means of a fax message from the vessel’s classification society direct to the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) on email address mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt with a copy to us on maritimeservices@gmint.com. The class should confirm:- 

 

  • Vessel is in class and class notation; 
  • Vessel is double hull (applicable to newly built tankers);
  • List of statutory certificates issued to the vessel and their respective expiry date; 
  • List of any recommendations, exemptions, equivalents, alternatives or any other deviations from requirements that have been approved/accepted by the previous flag or by the recognized organization for and on behalf of the previous flag; and
  • Undertaking that they are prepared to survey/audit/verify the vessel and issue the applicable statutory certificates on behalf of the Government of Malta.

 

The present recognised and authorised Classification Societies by the Maltese authorities are listed below. If the vessel’s classification is not among any of the ones listed below, then this should be changed upon registration.

 

  • American Bureau of Shipping
  • Bureau Veritas
  • China Classification Society
  • Class NK
  • Det Norske Veritas
  • Germanischer Lloyd
  • Korean Register of Shipping
  • Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
  • Polish Register of Shipping
  • RINA
  • Russian Maritime Register of Shipping

     
  • Power of Attorney:-

Power of Attorney, unless authorised through the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company (if Maltese Company) or through the Declaration of Resident Agent (if Foreign Body Entity).
 

  • Application for Registry:- 

Please complete the application form containing information on the vessel.

It is advisable to apply for the reservation of the vessel’s name prior to registration.  The name may be reserved for a period of 3 months upon payment of the relevant fee.  Your request in this regard would be required.

  • Copy of the present Anti-fouling Certificate
  • Encumbrances:
    Please advise whether the vessel is being sold free from encumbrances or otherwise.
  • Tonnage Certificate: 
    A copy of the International Tonnage Certificate. 
  • ISM CODE:- Document of Compliance and ISM Code Declaration

a) Document of Compliance

A copy of Document of Compliance is needed. 

b) ISM Code Declaration – SOLAS Chapter IX (ISM Code) 

Kindly note that a declaration in accordance to section 1.1.2. of SOLAS Chapter IX, (ISM Code) is required to be filed at MSD (formerly MMA) as per the procedure stated in Technical Notice SLS26.

LRIT conformance test report duly issued by a recognised Authorised Testing Application Service Provider (Testing ASPs). A list of the approved Testing ASPs is found in MSD Notice No.78.

a) Certificate of Insurance or other financial security in respect of Deafarer Repratriation Costs and Liabilities as required under regulation 2.5.2, STANDARD A2.5.2 OF THE MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION 2006, AS AMENDED
​b) Certificate of Insurance or other financial security in respect of shupowners' Liability as required under regulation 4.2.1 PARAGRAPH 1 (b) OF THE MARITIME LABOUR COVENTION 2006 AS AMENDED

  • DMLC application duly completed for the issuance of the DMLC Part I. ​
  • In the case of tankers, a copy of the IOPP certificate including the supplement identifying the vessel as Double is required.
  • Declaration addressed to the MSD (formerly MMA) duly signed by the new Managers confirming that there is no Halon on-board the vessel.
  • Company Security Officer (CSO) notification (Annex 1 of the Technical Notice SLS 10 Rev 1) duly completed. In case a Deputy/Alterate CSO is appointed to assist the CSO the D/CSO notification (Annex 2 of the Technical Notice SLS. 10 Rev. 1) must be completed. 
  • Radio Licence:
    A provisional radio licence is issued for a period of six months from the date of provisional registration.  In order to enable us to apply for same we require the AAIC and PSA Code numbers together with the GMDSS Sea Area of Trading (i.e. A1, A2, A3 and A4) and full details of the Emergency Contact Person ashore.  
  • Safe Manning Certificate:
    Refer to Information Sheet Number 107.

    The completion of the related application form. This certificate is issued for a period of five years and will be renewed upon receipt of yet another Application Form. This will cease to be valid in the event of any change in equipment, construction or use of the ship which effect the stipulated manning and on closure of registry. 
  • Civil Liability Convention (CLC) Certificate:
    The CLC certificate is essential but applies only to Tankers. The blue card, issued by the P & I Club and addressed to the Malta Maritime Authority, is required for the issuance of the CLC Certificate for oil pollution damage.
  • Bunker Convention Certificate:
    The Bunker certificate is mandatory for all vessels.  The bunker card, issued by the P & I Club and addressed to the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority), is required for the issuance of the Bunker Convention Certificate.
  • Removal of wrecks Liability Certificate:
    Registered owners of seagoing ships, including fishing vessels, private and commercial yachts, of 300 gross tonnage and above are required to maintain an insurance cover or other financial security, such as a guarantee of a bank or similar institution, to cover liability under the Convention. The card, issued by the P&I Club and addressed to the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority), is required for te issuance of certificate of insurance or other financial security in respect of liability for the removal of wrecks. 
  • A copy of the belo certificates
  • Copy of either (i) the Builder's Certificate (in the case of a new building) or (ii) the Bill of Sale/other document pursuant to which the vessel or share therein was transferred to the applicant for registry, as the case may be.
  • Vessel Registration Fees
  • Specific Instructions to Register:-

 

Your final written specific instructions to us are required once all the above requisites are in hand in order that we may proceed and register the vessel under the Malta Flag.

It is important to note that if registration of the vessel takes place prior to delivery, then registration may be declared null and void. In such situations and where mortgages are involved, bankers may request re-registration, thus incurring registration fees all over again.

Upon provisional registration of the vessel under the Malta flag the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) authorises the vessel’s classification society to issue all certificates on behalf of the Malta Government in order that the necessary surveys may be undertaken.  Furthermore, a non-operational provisional certificate is issued and the following documents are required in order to proceed with the issuance and release of the operational provisional certificate: -

  • A copy of the statutory certificates issued on behalf of the Malta Government.
  • A copy of the interim Safety Management Certificate under the new name and on behalf of the Malta Government.
  • In the case of tankers, a copy of the Blue card is required for the issuance of the CLC Certificate.
  • A copy of the International Ship Security Certificate.
  • A copy of the Anti-fouling certificate under the new name and on behalf of the Malta Government.
  • A copy of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) certificate

 

Within 3 months from provisional registration under the Malta flag, please supply us with a copy of all the previous Continuous Synopsis Records (CSR) issued together with the CSR deletion from the previous flag, in order to enable MSD (formerly MMA) to proceed with the issuance of the new CSR issued on behalf of the Malta Government.  Meanwhile a copy of the CSR forms (2 and 3) are required to be completed and stamped by the master and kept on board the vessel until the new CSR from MSD (formerly MMA) is issued.

Permanent Registration

 

The Provisional Certificate is valid for a period of six months with a possible maximum extension of another six months on delivery of items 1, 2, and 3 listed below.

The maintenance of registry and the subsequent permanent registration of the vessel is attained by submitting the following documents within the prescribed time allowed (from provisional registration date).

  • Deletion Certificate (in original) from last port of registry (within one month). 
  • Ship’s Carving and Marking Note (within one month). This is issued by the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) upon provisional registration and should be endorsed by a recognised surveyor or a Maltese Consul. If the net tonnage on the 1969 International Tonnage Certificate issued on behalf of the Maltese Government (item 5 below) is different from the net tonnage of the previous international tonnage certificate, then a new Ship’s Carving and Marking Note with correct NRT is issued and required (within six months). 
  • Bill of Sale (within one month and in original - which has to be dated between the date of formation of the company and the date of vessel’s provisional registration). If the vessel is newly built and her first registry is Malta, then the Deletion Certificate (item 1) and Bill of Sale are replaced by a Builder’s Certificate (in original) made to the order of the Owning Company dated between the date of formation of the company and the date of vessel’s registration (these are required within one month).
  • Certificate of Survey (within six months).
  • 1969 International Tonnage Certificate issued on behalf of the Malta Government (within six months).
  • Confirmation from the vessel’s classification society to the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) of the vessel’s Statutory Certificates issued on behalf of the Maltese Government, duly valid (upon their issuance).
  • Copies of valid ISM Certificates (i.e. Document of Compliance, Safety Management Certificate and International Ship’s Security Certificate) unless these are not already in possession of the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority).
  • A valid copy of the Maritime Labour Certificate.
  • The return of the Provisional Certificate for the release of the Permanent one. The procedure which is generally followed is for the managers to send an undertaking by fax or telex direct to the Malta Maritime Authority to return the Provisional Certificate within one month of the release of the permanent one; thus the ship will always hold a certificate on board. The original Provisional Certificate should be returned on receipt of the Permanent Certificate. 

 

Upon receipt of the above documents, we may apply for Permanent registration and a Certificate of Registry is issued to this effect. This Certificate carries a date of expiry which coincides with the annual fees’ due date; thus renewal is effected by payment of annual fees provided all statutory certificates are valid. Therefore it is important for the vessel’s classification society to update the Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority) of any extensions, renewals or issuance of certificates at all times.

Although not enforced as one of the requisites for Permanent registration, the vessel is also to submit copies of valid Maltese Ship’s Agreement and List of the Crew for as long as she remains registered under the Malta Flag.

 

Government (Merchant Shipping Directorate (formerly Malta Maritime Authority)) Fees

 

Fees Payable upon Provisional Registration:

 Vessel Basic Registration Tax

 Refer to Table A

 Vessel Initial Tonnage Tax

 Refer to Table C subject to reduction as per table E

 Vessel Annual Tonnage Tax

 Refer to Table D subject to reduction or surcharge as per table F

 

 Fees payable on the anniversary of registration i.e. after the lapse of 12 months (to be paid on the anniversary of registration and each year thereafter):

 Vessel Basic Annual Tax  Refer to Table B
 Vessel Annual Tonnage Tax  Refer to Table D subject to reduction or surcharge as per table F

 

Table A - VESSEL BASIC REGISTRATION FEE

 

DESCRIPTION OF VESSEL FEE
Non-propelled barges, bareboat charter registered in a foreign registry, laid up or under construction excluding pleasure yachts of 24m of length overall or more  €150 
Commercial vessels and fishing vessels less than 2500GRT which do not fall under above category and are not commercial yachts  €255
All other ships of 24m and over which do not fall under any of the above categories:  
    - under 300GRT  €370
    - 300GRT and over  €625



 

Table B - VESSEL BASIC ANNUAL FEE

DESCRIPTION OF VESSEL FEE
Non-propelled barges, bareboat charter registered in a foreign registry, laid up or under construction excluding pleasure yachts of 24m of length overall or more  €150 
Commercial vessels and fishing vessels less than 2500GRT which do not fall under above category and are not commercial yachts  €255 
All other ships of 24m and over which do not fall under any of the above categories:  
    - under 300GRT  €840
    - 300GRT and over €1095



 

Table C - VSL-INITIAL TONNAGE TAX PER NRT

DESCRIPTION OF VESSEL FEE
Vessels not exceeding 2500NRT €625
Vessels exceeding 2500NRT According to tonnage:
Net Tonnage Rate per ton
For the first 8000 tons €0.25
For each ton in excess of 8000 tons €0.07



 

Table D - VSL-ANNUAL TONNAGE TAX PER NRT

Vessels not exceeding 2500NRT €1,000
Vessels exceeding 2500NRT According to tonnage:
Net Tonnage ​Rate per ton
For the first 8000 tons €0.40
For each ton in excess of 8000 tons but not in excess of 10000 €0.19
For each ton in excess of 10000 tons but not in excess of 15000 €0.14
For each ton in excess of 15000 tons but not in excess of 20000 €0.12
For each ton in excess of 20000 tons but not in excess of 30000 €0.09
For each ton in excess of 30000 tons but not in excess of 50000 €0.07
For each ton in excess of 50000 tons €0.05



 

Table E - REDUCTION ON TONNAGE FEES UPON REGISTRATION

 
REDUCTION OF REGISTRATION FEES:  
Vessels up to 4 years  50%     
Vessels between 5 and 9 years  25%



 

Table F - REDUCTION/SURCHARGE ON ANNUAL TONNAGE FEES

 
REDUCTION ON ANNUAL TONNAGE FEES  
Vessels up to 4 years 30%
Vessels between 5 and 9 years 15%
        SURCHARGE ON ANNUAL TONNAGE FEES    
Vessels between 15 and 19 years 5%
Vessels between 20 and 24 years 10% (minimum of €1500)
Vessels between 25 and 29 years 25% (minimum of €1500)
Vessels 30 years and over 50% (minimum of €1500



 

TONNAGE TAX AND REDUCTION/SURCHARGE SHALL BE ROUNDED UP TO THE NEAREST WHOLE EURO

A pro-forma invoice is issued upon request

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