A vessel is first registered provisionally under the Malta flag 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 ship’s International Tonnage Certificate, where applicable;

• 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 the 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 the vessel to be free from encumbrances or otherwise;

• A certificate of survey and a copy of 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 officers’ certificates.