Ship Registration and the provision of all ancillary services is the responsibility
of the Merchant Shipping Directorate of the Malta Maritime Authority, a body set
up by law entrusted with the main function of supervising the organisation and
administrative aspects of the primary maritime services.  The
Merchant Shipping Directorate provides ship and yacht registration services and
is also responsible for all matters related to merchant shipping, the training
and certification of seafarers, the fostering of Malta's relations in international
shipping fora, and the administration and implementation of international maritime
conventions and agreements.
The Directorate is headed by the Executive Director
responsible for Merchant Shipping who, in terms of law, is also the Registrar-General
of Shipping and Seamen. He is assisted directly by two Registrar of Ships, a Technical
Manager, and an Administration Supervisor: a very well qualified, experienced
and professional management team leading a highly motivated workforce. The
activities of the Directorate focus on three main areas of activities: ship registry
services, technical issues and research and development. The Registry of Shipping
provides fast, reliable and efficient ship registration and other ancillary services. The
Technical Department provides specialist advice to the Executive Director and
to the Registrars and is responsible for the technical aspects of local and international
legislation, the Flag State Inspectorate, Port State Control and casualty investigation.
The Research and Development Department has a vital role in that it ensures that
the flag administration keeps abreast of developments in the dynamic environment
such as is the shipping industry.  In
the exercise of its functions, the Directorate draws on the specialised management
resources available at the Malta Maritime Authority at corporate level, and makes
full use of the extensive network of Maltese Embassies and Consulates abroad.
A select number of international classification societies and a worldwide network
of appointed flag state inspectors acting on the specific instructions of the
Directorate extend the technical arm of the Maltese administration to practically
all Ports in the world.
Undoubtedly, one of the main strengths of the Merchant
Shipping Directorate is the ease of availability of the decision makes together
with the speed and efficiency of the service given. The Directorate also offers
a twenty-four hours, seven days a week service in case of urgent matters. Malta's
flag state administration looks to the future with confidence. This stems from
a firm belief that its programme will further enhance its quality of service and
the reputability of its Flag. Set on its goals of further growth, it is adamant
that safety and repute will always be its prime objectives. Indeed, the hallmark
of a serious and efficient maritime administration.
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