Through the issuance of Commercial Yachting Notice 12 on 20 March 2024, the Merchant Shipping Directorate within Transport Malta introduced a tailor-made code for small commercial yachts registered under the Malta flag; the Small Commercial Yacht Code (sCYC).
The development of this Code is testament to the importance of the smaller commercial yacht sector and is aimed at better serving the needs of the yachting industry and enhancing the regulatory regime in accordance with the specific needs, demands and technologies of this market. The sCYC, which was drafted following consultation with various industry stakeholders and conforms with international safety regulations and standards, will be applicable to all commercial yachts under 24m in length as from 1 April 2024.
The current Commercial Yacht Code 2020 (CYC) provisions applicable to commercial yachts under 24m in length will be superseded by the sCYC, and such commercial yachts must comply with sCYC requirements by not later than the yacht’s first renewal survey after 1 June 2024.
It must be noted that the sCYC is not applicable to: pleasure/private yachts not employed in commercial use, vessels carrying more than 12 passengers, commercial yachts under 12m in length as well as commercial yachts over 24m in length, the latter of which shall remain regulated by the current CYC.
The sCYC may be accessed here. The Commercial Yachting Notice 12 may be accessed here.
Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries about, or require further information on, the Small Commercial Yacht Code.
