Commercial yacht registration Malta: Introduction of Small Commercial Yacht Code

The Small Commercial Yacht Code came into force in Malta on 1 April 2024. This makes it easier for smaller yachts between 12 and 24 meters to register according to the standards set there. The Ecovis experts know the details.

The Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC) replaces the relevant requirements for commercial yachts smaller than 24 metres under the Commercial Yacht Code (2020). The introduction of the new sCYC was driven by the industry’s concerns that the CYC requirements were too arduous for small yachts. As a result, the sCYC was developed to cater for commercial yachts between 12 and 24 metres in length which are engaged in commercial operations and which do not carry more than 12 passengers.

The sCYC does not apply to:

• Pleasure / private craft and yachts not employed in commercial use
• Vessels carrying more than 12 passengers
• Commercial Yachts < 12 metres hull length (ISO 8666)
• Commercial Yachts ≥ 24 metres Length
• Yachts in design category D and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) in design category C or D
• Military vessels and vessels belonging to the State and used for non-commercial purposes
• Vessels owned or operated on non-commercial services

We will arrange the registration for your yacht even if you are not resident in Malta.

Dr. Roberta Avellino Pulè, Legal Consultant, ECOVIS Malta, Mosta, Malta

What the sCYC regulates

The sCYC establishes the required standards of safety, pollution prevention, and crew welfare in line with the industry’s obligations under international conventions, EU regulations/directives, industry and other equivalent standards. A small yacht complying with the standards set out in the sCYC will be issued with a Small Commercial Yacht Certificate once the required surveys and inspections have been completed.

The sCYC has been well received by the industry as a practical solution enabling small commercial yachts to abide by regulations which are tailor-made to their scenarios. Malta’s readiness to implement improved legislation further contributes to the attractiveness of the Maltese flag within the yachting industry.

For further information please contact:

Dr. Roberta Avellino Pulè, Legal Consultant, ECOVIS Malta, Mosta, Malta
Email: roberta.avellinopule@ecovis.com.mt