Calpac Traders Ltd

Vessel registration under the Malta flag and the operation of Maltese ships is regulated by the Merchant Shipping Act. All type of vessels from pleasure yachts to oil rigs may be registered provided that inter-alai they are wholly owned by Maltese citizens or Maltese bodies corporate.

CALPAC TRADERS has a vast experience in this respect having registered a substantial amount of tonnage under the Malta flag after registering Maltese Limited Liability companies for this purpose. The formation of a Maltese company is a straightforward operation and the vessel can then be registered provisionally for six months (extendible to one year) during which period all documentation must be finalised.

The requirements for provisional registration are:

•	An application for registration by the owner or an authorised representative
•	An application for a change of name, if required
•	A copy of the ships International Tonnage Certificate
•	Proof of qualification to own a Maltese ship; in the case of a body corporate, the memorandum and articles of association
•	A declaration of ownership made before the Registrar by the owner or an authorised representative
•	Evidence of seaworthiness; in the case of trading vessels, confirmation of class
•	Payment of initial and annual registration fees

The following documents must be submitted during provisional registration:

•	A builder's certificate if vessel has not been registered elsewhere; otherwise, a bill of sale or any other document by which the vessel was transferred to the applicant for registry
•	A cancellation of registry certificate from the last country of registry, showing vessel to be free from encumbrances or otherwise
•	A certificate of survey and a copy of the tonnage certificate certifying that the vessel has been surveyed in accordance with Maltese regulations
•	Evidence that the vessel has been marked in accordance with the law
•	At least one crew list accompanied by photocopies of the officer's certificates.