Malta continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier yacht
flag state through two comprehensive regulatory frameworks: The
Small Commercial Yacht Code (‘sCYC’) 2024 and the newly
announced Commercial Yacht Code (‘CYC’) 2025.
The sCYC 2024 applies to yachts between twelve to twenty-four
(12–24) metres in hull length and came into force on the
1st of April 2024. It introduces a precise,
cost-effective regime based on EU Directive 2013/53/EU, allowing
entry via CE certification. Yachts registered before the
1st of April 2024, have a transitional period to comply
by their first renewal survey after the 1st of June
2024, when they receive a Small Commercial Yacht Certificate from
the Malta Ship Registry.
The CYC 2025 updates standards for commercial yachts over
twenty-four (24) metres in hull length, carrying up to twelve (12)
passengers aligning with main conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL and
the Load Line Convention. Yachts certified under the 2020 Code must
now comply with the CYC 2025 by their first renewal survey after
the 31st of December 2025. The CYC 2025 mandates
classification by a Recognised Organisation, especially for yachts
over five hundred gross tonnage (500GT) or using hybrid/lithium-ion
propulsion. Yachts over five hundred gross tonnage (500GT) require
a Maritime Labour Certificate valid for five (5) years and those
under five hundred gross tonnage (500GT) must undergo inspections
every three (3) years without mandatory certification, unless
voluntarily requested.
Both Codes provisionally accept yachts certified under the Red
Ensign Group (REG), French, or Italian commercial codes for up to
three (3) months to facilitate flexible transitions between
commercial and pleasure use. In terms of certification and surveys,
both codes recognise the role of appointed government surveyors and
organisations to conduct surveys. The CYC 2025 is set to enhance
survey responsibilities that are delegated to the recognised
organisations through increased audits and stricter compliance
verification. The CYC 2025 will have an impact on navigation
notation by distinguishing ‘Extended Short Range’ as a
standalone navigation notation up to one hundred and fifty (150)
nautical miles. This will allow owners to better tailor safety
equipment, to construct features according to specific use and
enhance operational planning.
The CYC 2025 introduces a refined stability and structural
standard, including improvements in damage resilience, freeboard
regulations and watertight integrity, to ensure yachts can adapt to
any conditions. Furthermore, the update of the CYC 2025, introduces
a ban on asbestos in any new installations to prevent health
problems and requires mandatory lightning protection and IMO Polar
Code compliance. Yachts undergoing major refits must abide by
standards applicable to new builds to promote sustainability. The
use of hybrid and electric propulsion systems will be adopted to
align with decarbonisation goals. Further revisions of the sCYC are
expected to integrate emerging technologies aligning it
progressively with standards introduced by the CYC 2025.
Lastly, crew welfare and non-crew guidelines are key pillars of
the CYC 2025. This Code builds upon the Maritime Labour Convention
by improving accommodation standards, onboard facilities and
working conditions. Labour, manning and welfare requirements are
tailored for tonnage and with a designed navigation range.
Additionally, there is clear guidance for non-crew personnel by
providing appropriate safety training prior to embarkation.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.