Background
Malta is a well-known and popular jurisdiction within the
yachting sector. It has the largest shipping register of vessels in
the EU and the 6th largest in the world. It is also
a jurisdiction that is 'leading the way', with a number of
initiatives in this sector.
Current Obligations
Yachts need to meet obligations for 'commercial passenger
ships' and it is widely recognised when considering the
operational pattern and risk profile of yachts, that these
requirements, are in some instances disproportionately onerous and
impractical in terms of design and implementation.
As the trend for larger commercial yachts increases, the 12
passenger limitation rule has become more problematic and has
resulted in an increase in administration for a number of
organisations, including the Malta Merchant Shipping Directorate.
This, combined with encouragement from the yachting industry, has
provided impetus for Malta to develop the 'Passenger Yacht
Code', to
