Transport Malta publishes fifth edition of the Commercial Yacht Code

Transport Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate issued a revised version of the Commercial Yacht Code, known as the CYC 2025, on 30 May. It replaces the previous 2020 edition and comes after extensive consultation with both internal and external stakeholders. It reflects updates aligned with current industry practices, emerging technologies and international maritime safety standards.

The CYC 2025 is set to come into force on 1 July 2025 and will apply to all commercial yachts carrying no more than 12 passengers and which are at least 24m in length, including yachts under and over 500 gross tonnage, as well as special category yachts defined under Section 18, such as high-speed yachts.

The most significant changes in the revised Code include:

• Enhanced navigation categories – the CYC 2025 clearly defines and regulates the Extended Short Range up to 150 nautical miles as its own category, separate from both the 60 nautical mile Short Range and the Unrestricted Navigation designations, providing more precise operational guidance and technical requirements for each category.
• Stricter environmental and safety standards – the code prohibits the use of asbestos in any new installations, requires lightning protection systems for yachts operating in prone regions, and mandates compliance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Polar Code for vessels navigating polar regions.
• Structural and propulsion system updates – updated standards for structural integrity and stability, with refined freeboard requirements and watertight integrity to enhance resilience against flooding and damage. The code also accommodates advancements in hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems.
• Enhanced crew welfare requirements – updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements emphasise improved accommodation, working conditions and onboard facilities, with detailed guidelines for non-crew personnel requiring proper safety training.
• Major refurbishment standards – yachts undergoing major refurbishments or conversions must now meet the standards applied to new yachts, ensuring the entire fleet remains modern and compliant.
• Strengthened oversight – enhanced statutory inspection audits to ensure surveys and certifications adhere strictly to the CYC 2025. Better harmonisation with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

What does this mean for yacht owners and registration?

The revised code reinforces Malta’s position as a leading maritime jurisdiction reflects Transport Malta’s commitment to maintaining a modern, competitive and safe regulatory framework for the yachting industry.

The CYC 2025 came into effect on 1 July. New registrations must immediately meet the enhanced standards. A transition period is provided for yachts that are currently certified under or undergoing survey to the 2020 Code. They will be required to transition to the updated requirements no later than their first renewal survey after 31 December 2025.

The enhanced requirements of CYC 2025 make professional guidance more valuable than ever for ensuring smooth registration and ongoing compliance with Malta’s prestigious yacht registry. Sovereign Trust (Malta) limited and Sovereign Marine can assist yacht owners in the following areas:

• Compliance assessment – conducting thorough reviews of existing yachts to identify gaps between current specifications and CYC 2025 requirements.
• Documentation management – preparing and managing the extensive documentation required for Malta yacht registration, including corporate structures, declarations and certificates.
• Regulatory liaison – acting as intermediary with Transport Malta and recognised individuals and firms for surveys, certifications and ongoing compliance monitoring.
• Corporate structuring – establishing appropriate corporate vehicles for yacht ownership, ensuring optimal structures.
• Ongoing compliance support – providing annual compliance services including renewal surveys, certification updates and regulatory change notifications.
• Project management – coordinating refurbishment or conversion projects to ensure they meet the new standards for major modifications.
• Change-of-status guidance – helping vessels shift between private and commercial use, mitigating VAT and flag implications.

For further details, please contact Sovereign Trust (Malta) Operations Director Seymour Grima by telephone on +356 21228411 or email below.