Indeed, it is this legal tradition which contribution to the formulation of the Maltese initiative at the 1967 United Nations General Assembly that culminated in the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Vessel registration under the Malta flag and the operation of the Maltese ships is regulated by the Merchant Shipping Act, a law based in the main on United Kingdom legislation, subsequently revised and amended in 1986, 1988, 1990 and 2000. These amendments introduced important measures for control, added safeguards for the financiers, thus making financing more attractive, and a bareboat charter registration.

Malta is a party to most of the Major IMO and ILO International Maritime Conventions and Malta flagships are obliged to strictly adhere to the provisions of these international conventions.




Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1969
Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971
International Maritime Satellite Organisation (INMARSAT), 1976
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972
Loan Lines, 1966
London Convention, 1972
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973/78
Safety of Life at Sea, 1974/78
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978
Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969