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Malta

1. Do you need certification in Malta?

You need a Malta STCW endorsement (recognition of foreign certificate) if you intend to serve on a Malta-flagged vessel and you hold a non-Maltese STCW Certificate of Competency (CoC). Specifically:

  • You need Malta's recognition of your STCW certificate if you hold a CoC from another administration and want to serve on a Malta-flagged vessel.
  • You need a Maltese Seaman's Record Book if you are engaged or shall be engaged on ships registered under the Merchant Shipping Act of Malta — applies to all seafarers regardless of nationality.

Malta's regulatory framework:

  • Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 234 of Laws of Malta) — primary legislation
  • Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Rules, 2013 — transposes MLC 2006 into Maltese law
  • STCW Convention as amended (STCW 95 and subsequent Manila 2010 amendments) — Malta acceded to STCW and recognises certificates from Parties to the Convention
  • MS Notice 105 Rev.1 — Guidelines for the Implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
  • MS Notice 168 Rev.1 — STCW certificates issued by Transport Malta

The Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, within the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta, is the responsible authority. There are no nationality restrictions on master, officers or crew engaged on Maltese ships.

Malta is one of the largest ship registries in Europe, with Maltese tonnage representing a significant share of the EU-registered fleet. Maltese flags are particularly common for commercial vessels, yachts, and cruise ships.

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2. What certification do you need by position?

STCW divides seafarer certification into four departments plus ratings and MLC catering. Malta issues certificates through Transport Malta aligned with STCW. Each position has a corresponding STCW regulation.

Deck department

Position STCW regulation Maltese standard Required certificate
Master (≥500 GT, unlimited) II/2 STCW II/2 + Malta recognition Master CoC + Maltese endorsement
Chief Mate (≥500 GT) II/2 STCW II/2 + Malta recognition Chief Mate CoC + Maltese endorsement
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW) II/1 STCW II/1 + Malta recognition OOW CoC + Maltese endorsement
Master (<500 GT, near-coastal) II/3 STCW II/3 + Malta recognition Master <500 GT CoC + Maltese endorsement
Able Seafarer Deck (AB) II/5 STCW II/5 + STCW VI/1 basic AB Certificate + STCW BST
Ordinary Seafarer (OS) II/4 STCW II/4 + STCW VI/1 basic OS certificate + STCW BST

Engine department

Position STCW regulation Maltese standard Required certificate
Chief Engineer (≥3,000 kW) III/2 STCW III/2 + Malta recognition Chief Engineer CoC + Maltese endorsement
Second Engineer (≥3,000 kW) III/2 STCW III/2 + Malta recognition Second Engineer CoC + Maltese endorsement
Chief/Second Engineer (750–3,000 kW) III/3 STCW III/3 + Malta recognition Chief/Second Engineer CoC + Maltese endorsement
Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW) III/1 STCW III/1 + Malta recognition OICEW CoC + Maltese endorsement
Able Seafarer Engine III/5 STCW III/5 + STCW VI/1 basic AB Engine certificate + STCW BST
Engine-room Rating III/4 STCW III/4 + STCW VI/1 basic Rating certificate + STCW BST

Electro-Technical department

Position STCW regulation Maltese standard Required certificate
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) III/6 STCW III/6 + Malta recognition ETO certificate + Maltese endorsement
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) III/7 STCW III/7 + Malta recognition ETR certificate + Maltese endorsement

Radio department

Position STCW regulation Maltese standard Required certificate
GMDSS Radio Operator IV/2 STCW IV/2 + Malta recognition GMDSS certificate + Maltese endorsement

Catering (MLC, not STCW)

Per MLC 2006 Regulation 3.2 and Code B3.2, ship's cooks and catering staff fall outside STCW but require:

  • Recognised food safety and hygiene certificate (MLC B3.2.4)
  • STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)
  • Medical First Aid (per MLC B3.2.5)
Position Source Required
Chief Cook / Cook MLC 2006 Reg 3.2 + Code B3.2 + MS Notice 105 Rev.1 Food safety cert + STCW BST + Medical First Aid
Chief Steward / Steward / Stewardess MLC 2006 + STCW BST STCW BST + service training

Yacht / Superyacht positions

Malta has a significant yacht registry. Per Merchant Shipping (Superyacht Code) Rules:

  • Master (Yacht <3,000 GT) — STCW II/2 or non-STCW Master <500 GT (yacht code)
  • Chief Mate (Yacht) — STCW II/2 (limited to yachts)
  • Engineer (Yacht) — STCW III/2 or non-STCW Engineer (yacht code)
  • ETO (Yacht) — STCW III/6

The Superyacht Code provides alternative certification for non-STCW yacht officers but Malta's main registry continues to apply STCW for commercial vessels.

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Related guides:

3. Where to get the training

Master / Chief Mate (STCW II/2 — Management level)

According to Malta's STCW recognition procedure, Master and Chief Mate need:

  • A STCW II/2 CoC from a recognised administration
  • Recognition by Malta (application to Transport Malta Merchant Shipping Directorate)
  • STCW BST + Advanced STCW courses as applicable to the role

For non-Maltese CoC holders, English language is the working language of Malta's maritime administration. No formal Maltese-language requirement is imposed on foreign seafarers.

Marine Pro Academy — STCW BST Bundlecovers foundational BST modules.

Marine Pro Academy — STCW BST Bundle (4 courses) — PST, FPFF, EFA, and PSSR in one package with flag-state certification. Accepted by Malta, Panama, Liberia, Cyprus, UK MCA, and 8+ flag states.

OOW / Watchkeeping Deck Officer (STCW II/1 — Operational level)

According to Malta's STCW recognition, OOW applicants need:

  • A STCW II/1 CoC from a recognised administration
  • Recognition by Malta
  • STCW BST + role-specific short courses

Chief Engineer / Second Engineer (STCW III/2 — Management level)

According to Malta's STCW recognition, Chief and Second Engineer need:

  • A STCW III/2 CoC from a recognised administration
  • Recognition by Malta

OICEW / Watchkeeping Engineer (STCW III/1 — Operational level)

According to Malta's STCW recognition, OICEW applicants need:

  • A STCW III/1 CoC from a recognised administration
  • Recognition by Malta

Able Seafarer Deck / Engine (Ratings, STCW II/5 / III/5)

According to STCW VI/1 and Malta's recognition procedure, ratings need:

  • STCW BST (mandatory for all ratings)
  • Role-specific STCW short courses for AB/AE designations

Marine Pro Academy — STCW BST Bundleprovides foundational BST modules.

GMDSS Operator (STCW IV/2)

Per STCW IV/2 and Malta's recognition procedure. GMDSS operators on Malta-flagged vessels need:

  • A STCW IV/2 certificate from a recognised administration
  • Recognition by Malta

Marine Pro Academy — GMDSScovers the GMDSS syllabus.

Ship's Cook / Chief Steward (MLC catering)

Per MLC 2006 Reg 3.2 and Code B3.2 as transposed into Maltese law via Merchant Shipping (MLC) Rules, 2013 and MS Notice 105 Rev.1:

  • Food safety / hygiene certificate — required by MLC B3.2.4
  • STCW BST — ship-wide emergency response
  • Medical First Aid — per MLC B3.2.5

Marine Pro Academy — Maritime Labour Conventioncovers MLC 2006 in depth, including catering requirements.

ETO / ETR (Electro-Technical department)

Per STCW III/6 / III/7 and Malta's recognition procedure. ETO requires university degree in electrical engineering or equivalent; ETR requires vocational training plus supervised shipboard service.

(MPA does not currently offer a specific ETO/ETR course; for ETO, refer to a maritime university programme.)

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4. How to apply

Step 1: Maltese Seaman's Record Book

Per Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 234), all seafarers engaged on Malta-flagged vessels need a Maltese Seaman's Record Book (€60 fee, €25 extra for courier). Submit to Merchant Shipping Directorate:

  • Documents of qualification (certificates)
  • Documentary evidence of valid STCW BST per Regulation VI/1
  • Statement by Master or employer on official form evidencing engagement on a Malta-flagged ship
  • Proof of identification (passport or identity card)
  • Two passport-size photographs

Submit to: applica.stcw@transport.gov.mt or by courier, traditional mail, through the ship owner's local representative, or delivered personally to the Seafarer Certification Unit within the Merchant Shipping Directorate.

Submissions at Maltese Embassy or Consulate may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Renewal: file all documents + the completed Seaman's Record Book.
Replacement: declaration explaining the loss or defacement. If found (declared lost), return to Authority immediately.

Applications are discarded within 15 days if missing requirements are not submitted.

Step 2: Recognition of STCW Certificate (Endorsement)

For non-Maltese CoC holders, Malta's recognition procedure includes:

  • Submission of CoC and supporting documents to Transport Malta
  • Verification of STCW compliance with STCW Convention
  • Issue of Maltese endorsement equivalent to the foreign CoC

No nationality restrictions apply. CoC from any Party to the STCW Convention is recognised, subject to STCW equivalence.

Step 3: DMLC — Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance

For vessels operating under Malta flag, the shipowner must apply for a DMLC Part I to Transport Malta (form TM MSD MLC 001). Upon issuance, the shipowner completes DMLC Part II identifying measures adopted to ensure ongoing compliance with national legislation and the Convention.

The recognised organisation ascertains compliance by examination of DMLC Part II.

A Maritime Labour Certificate is then issued by the recognised organisation after a satisfactory initial inspection, valid for up to 5 years.

For broader context, compare Malta certification requirements with other flag states, and review your flag state options before applying.

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5. Other requirements

Immigration and work permits

Malta is part of the Schengen Area, so foreign seafarers transiting through Malta to join a Malta-flagged vessel are subject to Schengen visa rules. However, Malta has maritime-specific exemptions that cover most crew change scenarios. The structure below mirrors the framework applied to Canada and the UK: lead with the exemption, then describe the routes for cases that do require leave to enter.

Legal framework

Foreign seafarers entering Malta are governed by:

When you do NOT need a Schengen visa (seafarer exemption)

Most foreign seafarers joining Malta-flagged vessels do not require a Schengen visa in advance. The exemption applies to:

  • Schengen seafarer transit provision (Article 4(1)(b) Schengen Borders Code): seafarers travelling to join a vessel at a Maltese port or being repatriated after disembarking from a vessel at a Maltese port are exempt from the standard short-stay visa requirement, provided they hold:

– A valid Maltese Seaman's Record Book (issued under Merchant Shipping Act Chapter 234), OR
– An ILO Seafarer's Identity Document issued under ILO Convention 108 (1958) or Convention 185 (2003), AND
– A joining letter from the operator with vessel name, port, and joining date

  • Schengen visa exemption by nationality: nationals of the Schengen visa-exempt countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan, South Korea, Brazil) may enter Malta for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a Schengen visa — sufficient for crew change transit and short stays
  • EU/EEA nationals (including Croatia since 1 January 2023): may enter Malta freely with valid ID or passport — no visa, no Seaman's Record Book requirement for entry

When you DO need a Schengen visa

A foreign seafarer needs a Schengen visa in advance for the following situations:

1. They are not from a visa-exempt country AND not eligible for the seafarer transit exemption
2. They are entering Malta for shore-based employment (training centres, ship management, port operations) — a Schengen Type D long-stay visa issued by Malta, plus a Maltese work permit if the engagement exceeds 90 days
3. They are joining a vessel for service in Maltese territorial waters for more than 90 days within a 180-day period
4. They are taking up family reunification or long-term residence

Process: How to apply for a Schengen Type C seafarer visa (when required)

Per Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) Article 5, the application is to the consulate of Malta in the seafarer's country of residence (or, if no Malta consulate, the consulate of another Schengen state that represents Malta):

1. Schedule appointment at the Maltese consulate or application centre (VFS Global in most countries) — typically via the Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs website
2. Complete application form — signed, dated, with two recent photographs
3. Gather supporting documents:
– Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after intended departure, with 2 blank pages)
– Maltese Seaman's Record Book or ILO Seafarer's Identity Document
– Joining letter from vessel operator (vessel name, IMO number, Maltese flag, port of joining, joining date, expected service duration)
– Travel insurance covering Schengen area, minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage, valid for the entire stay
– Proof of accommodation in Malta (vessel or hotel)
– Round-trip or onward flight booking
– Proof of employment or maritime company sponsorship
4. Pay fee: EUR 90 standard fee for adults (free for children under 6, EUR 45 for children 6–12) — paid in local currency at the consulate
5. Submit in person for biometrics (fingerprints)
6. Wait for decision — typically 15 calendar days, can extend to 30 days if additional scrutiny required
7. Collect visa — passport with Schengen visa sticker; check sticker for validity dates and number of entries (single, double, multiple)

Documents required to enter Malta

If arriving AT a Malta port as crew sign-on:

  • Hold Maltese Seaman's Record Book OR ILO Seafarer's Identity Document (Convention 108 or 185)
  • Carry joining letter from operator
  • Listed on crew list delivered to Malta Customs and Malta Transport officials before arrival
  • No Schengen visa required (seafarer exemption applies)

If arriving BY AIR to join a vessel (Malta International Airport, Luqa):

  • Hold valid passport
  • Hold Maltese Seaman's Record Book OR ILO Seafarer's Identity Document
  • Carry joining letter from operator
  • Schengen seafarer transit exemption applies — no visa required
  • May be asked to present documents at border control; allow up to 2 hours for clearance

If arriving from a visa-required country without seafarer exemption:

  • Schengen Type C visa obtained in advance from Malta consulate

If arriving for shore-based maritime employment:

  • Schengen Type D visa issued by Malta for long stays
  • Maltese work permit if employment exceeds 90 days (apply via JobsPlus)

Confirm current immigration requirements at least 6 weeks before the joining date — Schengen visa processing can be delayed in peak periods (summer, pre-Christmas).

Special cases

  • Croatian nationals: Same treatment as EU/EEA since 1 January 2023 — free entry with ID or passport
  • BOTC and BOC: British Overseas Citizens and British Overseas Territory Citizens need a Schengen visa; BOTC holders have facilitated procedures
  • Indian, Filipino, Ukrainian, Russian seafarers: From non-visa-exempt countries — seafarer transit exemption applies if holding Maltese Seaman's Record Book or ILO Seafarer's Identity Document. Schengen visa required otherwise
  • Turkey, Egypt, Morocco: From non-visa-exempt countries — same rules apply

Medical certificate

Malta accepts:

  • STCW A-VI/4-1 medical fitness certificate (international standard) — required per Merchant Shipping Act
  • ENG1 or equivalent national medical certificates from other administrations — recognised for foreign seafarers

The medical examination covers fitness for duty at sea (vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, psychological suitability). Validity is typically 2 years with some roles requiring annual renewal.

MLC 2006 implementation

Malta ratified MLC 2006 on 18 January 2013, with entry into force on 20 August 2013. Transposed into Maltese law via the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Rules, 2013 and operationalised through MS Notice 105 Rev.1.

The MLC covers seafarers' working conditions, accommodation, food and catering, health protection, and social security. Transport Malta conducts MLC inspections on Malta-flagged vessels.

Sources:

  • [Merchant Shipping (MLC) Rules, 2013](https://www.transport.gov.mt/MLC-rules.pdf
  • [MS Notice 105 Rev.1](https://www.transport.gov.mt/MS-Notice-105-Rev-1-Guidelines-for-the-Implementation-of-the-Maritime-Labour-Convention-2006.pdf

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Compare your pathway with neighbouring maritime flag states:

  • Cyprus — Malta and Cyprus share EU flag reciprocity
  • United Kingdom — Malta MCA endorsement pathway compared
  • Liberia — Malta and Liberia flag combined recognition

For more context on the certifications mentioned on this page:

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about certification, training, and endorsement pathways for seafarers on the Malta maritime register.

Do I need Maltese certification to work on a Malta-flagged vessel?
Yes. Transport Malta requires a Maltese Certificate of Competency or endorsement for officers serving on Malta-flagged commercial vessels subject to STCW.
How long does Malta certification take?
Typical processing is 3 to 6 weeks for endorsements, depending on document verification and any required assessments.
What is the difference between Malta and STCW certification?
STCW is the IMO international standard; Transport Malta administers Malta-specific certification under that framework. Malta certification adds Maltese maritime law, the Transport Malta endorsement pathway, and EU/EEA-aligned safety requirements.
How much does Malta certification cost?
Transport Malta fees are published in their fee schedule. Costs include application fees, examination fees, and any required training. Budget from low-hundreds to low-thousands EUR depending on rank.
What medical certificate do I need for Malta certification?
A valid ENG1 or equivalent accepted by Transport Malta, issued by an approved physician.
Can I use my STCW from another country in Malta?
Yes, via the Transport Malta endorsement pathway. Officers holding CoCs from EU/EEA countries and from countries with which Malta has reciprocal arrangements can apply for a Maltese endorsement without repeating all STCW courses.