MALTA MARITIME AUTHORITY
ADMINISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
MERCHANT SHIPPING DIRECTORATE
(LAST UPDATE – 5TH JANUARY 2006)
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 SOLAS 74
1.1 Periodical hydrostatic pressure testing of CO2 bottles for fixed fire-
extinguishing installations (Superceded by 1.17)
1.2 Closing and securing of bow, side, stern door and ramps
(Deleted)
1.3 Immersion Suits and Thermal Protective Aids
1.4 SOLAS 1974, as amended Chapter II-2 Regulation 6.2
Spare Charges (Superceded by 1.17)
1.5 Annual dry-docking of passenger ships
1.6 Fire-extinguishing arrangement for paint lockers and flammable
liquid lockers
1.7 Passenger ships – SOLAS 92 Amendments (Deleted)
1.8 Provisional Radio Station Licence/Issuance of Conditional Cargo
Ship Safety Radio Certificate
1.9 Spare charges for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(Superceded by 1.17)
1.10 Radio Direction Finder (Superceded by 1.10.1)
1.10.1 Radio Direction Finder (Rev. 1)
1.11 Periodic Servicing of Launching Appliances and On-Load
Releasing Gear (Superceded by 1.11.1)
1.11.1 Periodic Servicing of Launching Appliances and On-Load
Releasing Gear (Rev. 1)
1.12 General Requirements for Lifejackets on Dynamically Supported
Craft (Deleted)
1.13 GMDSS Personnel onboard Malta Flagged Vessels (Superseded
by 1.13.1)
1.13.1 GMDSS Personnel onboard Malta Flagged Vessels (Rev. 1)
1.14 Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs)
1.15 Carriage requirements for GPS receivers
1.16 Fire and Abandon Ship Drills
1.17 Fire Protection Systems and Appliances, and Compressed Gas
Cylinders
1.18 Fire Control Plans – Graphical Symbols
1.19 Immersion Suits
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
1.20 Electroni Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
and Back-Up Arrangements
2 MARPOL 73/78
2.1 Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) and
International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate (Deleted)
3 LOAD LINES 66
3.1 Multiple Load Line Certificates
4 ITC 69
4.1 Certificate of Survey and International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
4.2 Certificate of Survey and International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
Forms
5 MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Statutory Certificates
5.2 Notification of Withdrawal of Class
5.3 Survey Status Report
5.4 Change of Flag Procedures
5.5 Approval of Grain Loading Booklet, Shipboard Oil Pollution
Emergency Plan (SOPEP) and Cargo Securing Manual (CSM)
5.6 ISM Audits (Revoked by 5.10)
5.7 Harmonised System of Survey and Certificaton – SOLAS
Certification for Cargo Ships
5.8 Cargo Gear Surveys
5.9 ISM Certificates
5.10 Attendance during Surveys, Audits and Verifications held in Malta
6 DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT AND HIGH SPEED CRAFT
6.1 Dynamically Supported Craft – General requirements for
lifejackets
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Immersion Suits and
Thermal Protective Aids
Date Issued 30 November 1994 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.3
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
SOLAS 74 as amended in 1983 Chapter III Regulation 27.3
With respect to the application of Regulation 27.3.2 to existing ships by 1 July 1991
please be guided by the following which are the requirements of this Administration
in respect of Malta Flagged Ships.
Unless the ship is equipped in accordance with Regulations 27.3.2.1 or 27.3.2.2
then the following applies.
aa) The provision of only three immersion suits, with the complement of
persons not provided with immersion suits being provided with
thermal protective aids, will be acceptable for voyages bound by:
i) In the North by latitude 65 degrees North in the Atlantic
Ocean and latitude 55 degrees North in the Pacific Ocean.
ii) In the South bound by latitude 50 degrees South, and
iii) East of longitude 10 degrees east in the Kattegat and Baltic
Sea from 1 May to 30 November both days inclusive.
Provided that boarding onto primary survival craft does not require prior entry into
the water, otherwise an immersion suit is to be provided for every person on board.
bb) Exemption from these requirements will be favorably considered for
ships engaged solely between the parallels of latitude of 20 degrees
North and 20 degrees South. Requests in this respect should be
directed to this office.
cc) For voyages outside the above trade areas (i.e. for the issue of an
unconditional Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate) there
must be provided an immersion suit for every person on board the ship.
With respect to (cc) above, the endorsement of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
Certificate is no longer required and instead an Exemption Certificate annexed to
the said certificate should be issued with the same limitations.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Annual Dry Docking of
Passenger Ships
Date Issued 05 September 1995 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.5
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
This Administration’s requirements with respect to the annual dry-docking of
passenger ships, in accordance with SOLAS 74/78 as amended, for the issue of the
Passenger Ship Safety Certificate are as follows:
1) All Passenger Ships over 20 (twenty) years of age must be dry-
docked annually.
Extensions of only up to 3 months will only be granted after an In-
Water Survey (I.W.S) has been carried out to the satisfaction of the
Classification Society.
2) Passenger Ships under 20 (twenty) years of age may, on a case by
case basis, be granted an exemption from the annual dry-dock and
instead have alternating Dry-Docking/In-Water Survey arrangement.
Prior authorization shall always be requested from this office.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Fire-Extinguishing Arrangement for
Paint Lockers and Flammable Liquid Lockers
Date Issued 20 September 1995 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.6
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
With respect to the interpretation of Regulation 18.7 Chapter II-2 of SOLAS 74/78,
as amended, this Administration has adopted the IACS interpretation, hence:-
1) Paint lockers and flammable liquid lockers having a deck area of 4m2
or more shall be provided with a fire-extinguishing system enabling
the crew to extinguish a fire without entering the space. Installation
arrangements may be any one of the following arrangements:
a) a carbon dioxide system that is designed for 40 per cent of
the gross volume of the space, or
b) a dry-powder system that is designed for at least 0.5 kg
powder per cubic metre, or
c) a water-spraying system that is designed to provide a supply
of 5 litres/m2/minute.
2) Water spraying systems may be connected to the ship’s main
system.
3) Other systems than those mentioned above may be accepted by this
Administration if these are not less effective.
4) Paint lockers and flammable liquid lockers having a deck area of less
than 4m2, portable carbon dioxide or dry-powder fire extinguishers
may be accepted in lieu of fixed installations.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Provisional Radio Station Licence/Issuance of
Conditional Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
Date Issued 07 January 1999 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.8
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
These requirements revoke the requirements dated 30 March 1994.
1) Upon registration, vessels are issued with a Provisional Ship Radio
Station Licence valid for three months and thereafter a Permanent
Ship Radio Station Licence with a validity period of either one year or
three years.
2) Recognised Classification Societies are hereby instructed that when
change of flag or renewal radio surveys are carried out and a copy of
the provisional or permanent ship radio station licence is not yet
available onboard, the classification society is authorised to issue a
Conditional Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate valid only for
two months on condition that no deficiencies are identified during the
survey. This office must be advised immediately whenever such
certificate is issued.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Radio Direction Finder
Date Issued 14 January, 1999 Section 1
Revision No. 1 Item 1.10.1
Date Revised 27 June 2002 Page 1 of 1
Our instructions to Classification Societies dated 14th January 1999 concerning
Radio Direction Finder Apparatus on board Maltese registered vessels (item 1.10)
are hereby revoked and replaced by Administration requirement item 1.15 (Carriage
requirements for GPS Receivers) issued on 27 June 2002.
Under the provisions of the amended Chapter V of the 1988 Protocol to the SOLAS
’74 Convention (SOLAS 2000 amendments), Radio Direction Finder (R.D.F)
apparatus referred to in Reg.V/12(p) of the SOLAS ’74 Convention in force prior to
01st July, 2002 shall no longer be required on or after this date.
Accordingly, exemption certificates for Radio Direction Finder apparatus shall no
longer be issued on or after 01st July, 2002.
Exemption certificate(s) for Radio Direction Finder apparatus issued before 01st July
2002 shall hold valid until the first survey after 01st July, 2002.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Periodic Servicing of Launching Appliances
and On-Load Releasing Gear
Date Issued 08 April 1999 Section 1
Revision No. 1 Item 1.11.1
Date Revised 28 March 2000 Page 1 of 3
Our instructions to Classification Societies dated 8 April 1999 are hereby revoked.
With respect to the SOLAS Amendment to Chapter III Regulation 20.11 – ‘Periodic
Servicing of Launching Appliances and On-load Releasing Gear’ that came into
force on 1 July 1998 please note the following:
This Administration is adopting ‘IACS Unified Interpretation SC144 (Rev.1 Nov.
1999)’ and ‘IACS Guidance Note to Surveyors re application of SOLAS 1974 (as
amended) Reg III/20.11.1.3 (Dynamic Test of Winch Brake) on ships with
equipment manufactured and installed prior to July 1986’. Copies are attached
for ease of reference.
As regards Para/Point 2 of the Unified Interpretation, the Administration
Requirement is that the first service is to be carried out during the first Safety
Equipment Renewal Survey on or after 1 July 1998. If at the time of this survey
the port is not a convenient port then a Conditional Safety Equipment Certificate
is to be issued valid for only 6 months, by which time this requirement is to be
complied with.
Vessels with appliances manufactured or installed prior to 1 July 1986 and that
have already been exempted from the dynamic test of the winch brake in
accordance with SC144, have now to comply with these requirements at the
next Safety Equipment Renewal or Annual Survey, whichever is the earliest.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
SC144
Periodic Servicing of Launching Appliances and on-load Releasing Gear (Chapter III, Regulation 20.11) 1. The reference to five (5) year intervals in III/20.11.1.2 and III/20.11.2.3 starts as of 1 July 1998. 2. The first service should be as soon as possible after 1 July 1998 and not later than 1 July 2003. 3. The reference to “properly trained personnel” in III/20.11.2.2 means competent persons familiar with the on-load system and would include, but is not necessarily limited to, manufacturers’ representatives, or shipyard engineers or a specialist vendor, certified by a manufacturer. 4. The thorough examinations/overhauls and tests in five year intervals shall be done in the presence of a surveyor.
Notes: 1. This Unified Interpretation is to be uniformly implemented by all Members and Associates from 1 July 1999, unless otherwise instructed by a Flag State. 2. Changes introduced in Rev.1 are to be applied from 1 July 1999.
IACS Int. 1999/Rev.1
SC144 (1999) (Rev.1 Nov. 1999)
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
GUIDANCE NOTE TO SURVEYORS RE APPLICATION OF SOLAS 74 (AS
AMENDED) REGULATION III/20.11.1.3 (DYNAMIC TEST OF THE WINCH
BRAKE) ON SHIPS WITH EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED
PRIOR TO 1 JULY 1986.
1. Prior to testing, Surveyors should establish whether or not the winch has a
speed-limiting device.
2. If not, it should be ascertained whether the Master/Owner’s representative
has any objection to carrying out the dynamic test as required by the
regulation.
3. If the Master/Owner’s representative does have an objection, he/she should
be advised of the need for him/her to apply to the flag Administration for an
exemption from this requirement.
4. In the meantime the test may be postponed to not later than 30 June 2003
IACS Int. 1999/Rev.1
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
GMDSS Personnel
onboard Malta Flagged vessels
Date Issued 20 April 2000 Section 1
Revision No. 1 Item 1.13.1
Date Revised 03 May 2000 Page 1 of 1
Our instructions to Classification Societies dated 20 April 2000 are hereby revoked
This Administration’s requirement in respect of the minimum number of GMDSS
personnel is as follows:
Cargo Vessels
2 Deck Officers holders of a recognised GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate
(GOC), or
1 Dedicated Radio Officer also holder of a recognised GMDSS General
Operator’s Certificate (GOC).
Passenger Vessels 3 Deck Officers all holders of a recognised GMDSS General Operator’s
Certificate (GOC), or
2 Deck Officers and 1 Dedicated Radio Officer all holders of a recognised
GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC), or
1 Deck Officer and 2 Dedicated Radio Officers all holders of a recognised
GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC).
Please note that the “Dedicated Radio Officer” shall have no other responsibilities
on-board except those related to radio communications.
For vessels provided with “On-board Maintenance” certification, the person
designated to perform such functions shall be in possession of either a 1st Class or
2nd Class GMDSS Radio Electronics Certificate, or equivalent.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs)
Date Issued 28 March 2002 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.14
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
With respect to SOLAS 2000 Amendments, Chapter II-2 Regulation 13.3.4 and
13.4.3 which will enter into force for all ships on 1 July 2002, all Maltese registered
vessels are required:-
to fully comply with SOLAS 2000 amendments, Chapter II-2, Regulation 13.3.4
and 13.4.3 and MSC/Circ.849
to carry at least two (2) EEBD’s within the machinery spaces (Regulation
13.4.3.1)
to carry at least two (2) spare EEBD’s (Regulation 13.3.4.1)
to carry at least one (1) spare EEBD solely for training purposes and which
should be marked accordingly (MSC/Circ.849 – Annex – Para 6)
The actual number and location of all EEBD’s, both within the accommodation and
machinery spaces, is to be determined by the vessel’s Classification Society
Surveyor after relevant surveys of the spaces have been carried out in accordance
with Regulation 13.3.4 & Regulation 13.4.3 and MSC/Circ.849
The number and location of all EBBD’s onboard shall be indicated on the Fire
Control Plan (Regulation 13.4.3.2).
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA Carriage requirements for GPS Receivers
Date Issued 27 June 2002 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.15
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Under the provisions of the amended Chapter V of the 1988 Protocol to the SOLAS
’74 Convention (SOLAS 2000 amendments), Maltese Registered ships constructed
on or after 01st July, 2002 and to which the new SOLAS Reg.V/19.2.1.6 applies shall
install:
Two (2) independent GPS receivers conforming to performance standards set out in
IMO resolution A.819 (19), as amended by resolution MSC.112 (73).
A GPS receiver installed as forming an integral part to the onboard GMDSS
installation may also be considered as one of the units required provided that this
unit can also be operated from an independent reserve source of energy in the
event of failure of the ship’s main and/or emergency source of electrical power.
For ships (Malta Flag) constructed before 01st July 2002 not yet meeting the above
requirements and to which SOLAS Reg.V/19.1.2.2 applies, these shall comply by
not later than the first survey after 01st July 2002, at which time, the Radio Direction
Finder unit shall no longer be required.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Fire and Abandon Ship Drills Date Issued 26 May 2003 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.16
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Reference to SOLAS 74, as amended, Chapter III Regulation 19.3.2 this
Administration requires that onboard all Maltese registered cargo ships Fire and
Abandon Ship Drills are carried out at fortnightly intervals.
Fire and Abandon Ship Drills onboard all Maltese registered passenger ships are to
be carried out in accordance with SOLAS 74 Chapter III Regulation 30.2 (i.e. at
weekly intervals).
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Fire Protection Systems and Appliances and Compressed Gas Cylinders
Periodic Maintenance, Inspection and Testing Date Issued 23 June 2003 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.17
Date Revised - Page 1 of 8
These Administration Requirements, which have been developed in line with the applicable IMO Circulars and Guidelines, are intended to establish the interval and extent of maintenance, inspection and testing required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended. Application These requirements shall apply to all Maltese registered ships engaged on international voyages. Entry into force All ships shall comply with this Administration Requirements not later than the date of the first safety equipment survey (annual, periodical or renewal) on or after 1 July 2003. Revocation Administration Requirement Item 1.1 dated 18 October 1993 ‘Periodical Hydrostatic Pressure Testing of CO2 Bottles for Fixed Fire-Extinguishing Installations’. Administration Requirement Item 1.4 dated 6 April 1995 ‘SOLAS 1974, as amended, Chapter II-2 Regulation 6.2 – Spare Charges’. Administration Requirement Item 1.9 dated 7 January 1999 ‘Spare Charges for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus’ Definitions Administration Malta Maritime Authority Approved Approved by the Administration and/or Recognised Organisation. Recognised Organization A Classification Society recognised by the Administration. Organisation International Maritime Organization (IMO) Operational readiness All fire protection systems and appliances shall at all times be in good order and available for immediate use while the ship is in service. If a fire protection system is under repair, then suitable arrangements to the satisfaction of the Recognised Organization and Administration shall be made to ensure that safety is not diminished.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Maintenance, Testing and Inspection The maintenance, testing and inspection shall conform to the requirements as laid down herein and, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, the inspection schedule as provided in IMO’s MSC/Circ.850. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Servicing All portable fire extinguishers shall be serviced annually at an approved shore-based servicing station. Replacement of Extinguishing Medium
Type of Portable Fire Extinguisher Interval Water 12 months Foam 12 months Dry Chemical (Extinguisher type: Non-permanently pressurized) 5 years
Dry Chemical (Extinguisher type: Permanently pressurized) 2 years
Hydrostatic Pressure Test and Test Pressure All non-permanently pressurized portable fire extinguishers shall be hydrostatically pressure tested at intervals not exceeding 10 years. All permanently pressurized portable fire extinguishers and propellant cartridges shall be hydrostatically pressure tested at intervals not exceeding 5 years. Notwithstanding the above, whenever the loss in pressure of a permanently pressurized portable fire extinguisher exceeds 10% of the nominal pressure, then the portable fire extinguisher shall be hydrostatically pressure tested before being recharged. Portable fire extinguishers and propellant cartridges shall be tested to the pressures indicated hereunder.
Portable Fire Extinguishers and Propellant Cartridges
Test Pressure
Water Foam Dry Chemical Halon
At least 1.5 x w.p. (or 2 N/mm2 if the w.p. is unknown)
Carbon Dioxide At least 25 N/mm2 Propellant Cartridges
• CO2 type with safety devices • CO2 type without safety devices
At least 2 x w.p. 25 N/mm2 35 N/mm2
w.p. – working pressure
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Spare Charges For portable fire extinguishers of the same type capable of being recharged on board, spare charges shall be provided for 100% of the first 10 portable fire extinguishers and for 50% of the remaining portable fire extinguishers. Not more than a total of 60 spare charges need to be provided. For portable fire extinguishers that cannot be recharged on board, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type and capacity shall be provided for 100% of the first 10 portable fire extinguishers and for 50% of the remaining portable fire extinguishers. FIXED HIGH PRESSURE CO2 FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS Inspection Every 3 months, the ship’s crew shall check the CO2 cylinders for proper stowage, alignment of activating levers on each of the cylinders and tightness of securing/clamping arrangements. Prior to entry into the CO2 cylinder bank room all safety procedures shall be adhered to. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing Over a maximum period of 10 years at least 50% of the CO2 bottles shall be tested by hydraulic pressure at an approved shore-based servicing station. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, occasional hydrostatic pressure testing may be requested at the discretion of the Surveyor from the Recognised Organization conducting the statutory surveys if there exists evidence to cause concern on the condition of the cylinders. FIXED LOW PRESSURE CO2 FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS Inspection Annual examination of the bulk CO2 containment tank during statutory safety equipment surveys shall include:
• close examination of all pipe connections to the tank. Selected areas of insulation are to be removed as necessary;
• where extensive corrosion of other evidence of deterioration exists,
connecting pipes or delivery pipes are to be removed for examination and testing, as necessary, to determine actual wall thickness.
• examination of selected areas of the tank shell under insulation to determine
shell condition, and if necessary, make use of appropriate means to ascertain wall thickness;
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
• removal of insulation and examination of underlying steelwork in any area
where there is evidence of corrosion through staining or other signs; The annual inspections detailed above shall be programmed to examine, in so far as it is possible, different areas of the system at each annual examination. If the examination reveals evidence of deterioration in the pipework or tank shell this shall be followed up to determine extent of deterioration and if necessary an internal examination shall be conducted. Any repair or replacement shall be carried out to specifications of the Recognized Organization. Provided that the above inspections are carried out annually and that records confirming satisfactory condition are readily available, then bulk CO2 systems need only be inspected internally after a maximum period of 20 years. FIXED HALON FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
Hydrostatic Pressure Test or Thickness Measurement Subject to the ready availability of Halon Banking Facilities for the purpose of containment and recharging, over a maximum period of 10 years at least 50% of the Halon bottles shall be tested by hydraulic pressure at an approved shore-based servicing station. However, when Halon Banking Facilities are not available, Halon cylinders shall be subjected to thickness measurement in lieu of the hydrostatic pressure test as required above. At least 50% of the cylinders shall be thickness measured over a maximum period of 10 years. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, occasional hydrostatic pressure testing or thickness measurement, as applicable, may be requested at the discretion of the attending Class Surveyor conducting the statutory surveys if there exist evidence to cause concern on the condition of the cylinders. FIXED DRY POWDER FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
Servicing Servicing shall be carried out every 2 years at an approved shore-based servicing station. Testing of dry powder sample for moisture absorption shall be carried out at the same interval. SPRINKLER, FIXED PRESSURE WATER-SPRAY AND WATER-MIST SYSTEMS
Servicing Servicing shall conform to instructions of the manufacturer and the Recognised Organization.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
FIXED FOAM FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS Foam Sample Analysis Foam sample analysis shall be carried out after a period of 3 years and thereafter every year at an approved independent/manufacturer’s laboratory. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, occasional foam sample analysis may be requested at the discretion of the attending Surveyor from the Recognised Organization during statutory surveys if there is cause to question the suitability of the foam. CYLINDERS FOR SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA) Inspection A general examination of the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, including check for air cylinder pressure/leakage, shall be carried out at fortnightly intervals by the ship’s crew. On ships provided with a recharging system for air cylinders, a check for air quality shall be carried out every 12 months at an approved independent/manufacturer’s laboratory. Maintenance Maintenance by the ship’s crew shall be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing and Test Pressure Hydrostatic pressure testing of cylinders of lightweight type shall be carried out at an approved shore-based servicing station at intervals and test pressure stipulated by the manufacturer and Recognised Organisation. Hydrostatic pressure testing of cylinders other than of lightweight type shall be carried out every 5 years at an approved shore-based servicing station at a test pressure of 1.5 times the working pressure. Spare Charges The following number of spare charges are to be provided for each breathing apparatus:
Ship Type Spare Charges Cargo Ships without dedicated cylinder recharging facility 2 Cargo Ships with dedicated cylinder recharging facility 1 Passenger Ships carrying less than 36 passengers 1 Passenger Ships carrying more than 36 passengers At least 2
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
CYLINDERS FOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE BREATHING DEVICE (EEBD) Inspection A general examination and check of cylinder pressure, as applicable, shall be carried out every 3 months by the ship’s crew and records of checks are to be maintained. Maintenance Maintenance by the ship’s crew shall be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Spare Devices All ships shall carry at least two spare Emergency Escape Breathing Devices. CYLINDERS FOR SURVIVAL CRAFT SELF-CONTAINED AIR SUPPORT SYSTEM Inspection A general examination and check of cylinder pressure shall to be carried out at fortnightly intervals by the ship’s crew and records of checks are to be maintained. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing and Test Pressure Hydrostatic pressure testing of cylinders of lightweight type shall be carried out at an approved shore-based servicing station at the intervals and test pressure stipulated by the manufacturer and Recognised Organisation. Hydrostatic pressure testing of cylinders other than of lightweight type shall be carried out every 5 years by an approved shore-based servicing station at a test pressure of 1.5 times the working pressure. MEDICAL OXYGEN CYLINDERS Inspection A general examination and check of cylinder pressure shall be carried out every month by the ship’s crew and records of checks are to be maintained. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing Hydrostatic pressure testing of cylinders shall be carried out at an approved shore-based servicing station at the intervals and test pressure stipulated by the manufacturer and Recognised Organisation.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
CYLINDERS FOR REFRIGERANT GASES AND GASES FOR BURNING EQUIPMENT Hydrostatic Pressure Testing Prior to accepting cylinders on board, the date stamp shall be checked and ensured that not more than 5 years have elapsed since the last hydrostatic pressure test. For cylinders remaining onboard, arrangements shall be made for the exchange of cylinders if more than 5 years have elapsed since their last hydrostatic pressure test.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
8
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERSSystem or Appliance Inspections Medium
Replacement Hydrostatic Pressure
Test Spare Charges/Devices
Ship board Shore Water
Foam 12 months
Dry Chemical
2 years (permanently pressurized) 5 years (non-permanently pressurized)
5 years (permanently pressurized) 10 years (non-permanently pressurized) or When pressure loss is greater than 10% (permanently pressurized)
Rechargeable type 100% spare charges for first ten 50% spare charges for remainder Non-rechargeable type 100% additional extinguishers for first ten 50% additional extinguishers for remainder
Halon
CO2
As per Administration Requirement and MSC/Circ 850
Annually
5 years or When pressure loss is greater than 10% (permanently pressurized)
100% additional extinguishers for first ten 50% additional extinguishers for remainder
Propellant Cartridges 5 years FIXED FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
System Inspections Hydrostatic Pressure Test Shipboard Shore
High Pressure CO2
Every 3 months Stowage, alignment of activating levers and proper stowage
50% of cylinders every 10 years
Bulk CO2 Annual external inspections or internal inspection at 20 years
Halon
When banking facilities available – 50% of cylinders to hydro test every 10 years When banking facilities not available 50% of cylinders thickness measured every 10 years
Dry Powder
2 years (including moisture absorption test)
Sprinkler Water-Spray Water-Mist
As per manufacturer’s instructions
Foam
Analysis after 3 years and annually thereafter
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSInspections Hydrostatic Pressure Test Spare Charges Shipboard Shore
Every 15 days General examination and cylinder pressure check
Every 12 months air quality check
Cylinders of lightweight type As per manufacturer’s requirements Cylinders of non-lightweight type Every 5 years at 1.5 x w.p.
2 spare charges for each SCBA on cargo ships without charging facility 1 spare charge for each SCBA on cargo ships with charging facility 1 spare charge for each SCBA on passenger ships carrying less than 36 passengers At least 2 spare charges for each SCBA on passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers
EMERGENCY ESCAPE BREATHING DEVICESShipboard Inspections Spare Devices Every 3 months a general examination and cylinder pressure check All ships to carry 2 spare devices
CYLINDERS FOR SURVIVAL CRAFT AIR SUPPORT SYSTEMShipboard Inspections Hydrostatic Pressure Test Every 15 days a general examination and cylinder pressure check
Cylinders of lightweight type – As per manufacturer’s requirements Cylinders of non-lightweight type – Every 5 years at 1.5 x w.p.
MEDICAL OXYGEN CYLINDERShipboard Inspections Hydrostatic Pressure Test Every month a general examination and cylinder pressure check As per manufacturer’s requirements
CYLINDERS FOR REFRIGERANT GASES AND GASES FOR BURNING EQUIPMENTHydrostatic Pressure Test every 5 years
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Fire Control Plans - Graphical Symbols Date Issued 15 December 2003 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.18
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Reference SOLAS 74, as amended, Chapter II-2 Regulation 15.2.4, the graphical
symbols as set out in IMO Resolution A.654 (16) shall be used for fire control plans
onboard all Maltese registered ships. Graphical symbols shall be in colour.
Maltese registered ships are to comply with this requirement by not later than the first
safety equipment survey (annual, periodical or renewal) on or after 1 January 2004
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Immersion Suits Date Issued 8 November 2005 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.19
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Reference is made to SOLAS 74 Chapter III Regulation 32.3 as amended by Resolution MSC.152(78), which if deemed to have been accepted on 1 January 2006, will enter into force on 1 July 2006. In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 32.3.2 cargo ships, other than bulk carriers (as defined in SOLAS 74 Chapter IX Regulation 1), may be exempted from the requirement of Regulation 32.3.2 when such ships are constantly engaged on voyages within “warm climates”. Following consideration of the guidance provided in MSC/Circ 1046 – Guidelines for the Assessment of Thermal Protection, this Administration has defined the following sea areas for the scope of application of the exemption provision:
– the sea area between the parallels of latitude 30º North and 30º South; – the sea area of the Mediterranean Sea south of latitude 35º North; – the sea area within 20 nautical miles from the coasts of Africa not
included in the sea areas above. On ships that are required to provide every person onboard with an immersion suit complying with the requirements of the Life-Saving Appliances Code Section 2.3 there shall also be available:
– at least two additional immersion suits of the same type located in the navigating bridge
– at least two additional immersion suits of the same type located in the engine room
– at least two additional immersion suits of the same type located at workstations where the crew performs its normal duties (except watch-keeping duties), if the horizontal distance from the workstations to the stowage position of the immersion suits is more than 100 metres.
Immersion Suits may be either stored at clearly identifiable locations close to the lifeboat stations or alternatively be distributed to each individual member of the crew. The monthly shipboard inspection of immersion suits as required by SOLAS 74 Chapter III Regulation 20.7 shall take into account the guidelines approved by the Maritime safety Committee as contained in MSC/Circ.1047 The periodic testing of immersion suits shall be based on the guidelines approved by the Maritime Safety Committee, contained in MSC/Circ.1114 Periodic testing is to be carried out at intervals not exceeding three years at a shore servicing facility approved by the manufacturer and recognized organization. Lifejackets required by SOLAS 74 Chapter III Regulation 7.2 shall be retained onboard regardless of the type of immersion suits provided.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Back-Up Arrangements
Date Issued 5 January 2006 Section 1
Revision No. - Item 1.20
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Reference SOLAS 74, as amended, Chapter V Regulation 19.2.1.4, 19.2.1.5, 27 and IMO Resolution A.817(19) as amended. Ships fitted with an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), type approved in accordance with relevant international standards, including IMO Resolution A.817(19), as amended, and with adequate back-up arrangements, are accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements of SOLAS 74 Chapter V Regulation 27 when navigating within waters covered by Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) officially issued by an authorised Hydrographic Office. The following arrangements are accepted as fulfilling the back-up requirement:
1. an appropriate folio of up-to-date paper nautical charts; or
2. a second type approved ECDIS; or
3. a type approved electronic back-up arrangement for ECDIS mode of operation (using ENC).
Both the primary and secondary (alternative 2.) ECDIS shall be fully independent and both supplied from the ship’s main and emergency source of power. In addition, a reserve power source (UPS mode) with a capacity of at least 30 minutes is to be provided if change-over of the source of power entails restarting of ECDIS. For alternatives 2. and 3. above, an appropriate folio of up-to-date paper charts is to be available to enable the ship to safely reach a port within or adjacent to its trading areas when coverage by ENC is not available. When paper nautical charts serve as the only back-up arrangement (alternative 1.), the charts shall include the planned route and, when navigating within restricted waters, the ship’s position is to be regularly updated to ensure a safe take-over of ECDIS functions should the need arise.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Multiple Load Line Certificates
Date Issued 30 March 1994 Section 3
Revision No. - Item 3.1
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
This Administration accepts the provision of two Load Line Certificates for different
deadweight values. Such vessels are dealt with on a case by case basis and
authorisation for the issuance of such certificates may only be granted by this
Authority.
The following procedures must be followed when more that one Load Line
Certificate is issued:
1) The Load Line marks for the deepest draft to be welded to the side
shell and verified by the attending surveyor.
2) The secondary marks to be cut or punched into the side shell.
3) At the time of annual/intermediate surveys, regardless of the
deadweight value applicable at the time, the vessel should be
surveyed for compliance with the most severe statutory requirements
applicable to the greatest deadweight value and all certificates
should be endorsed by the attending surveyor.
4) When sailing under reduced deadweight condition no
reduction/deviation from the nominal safety standards is permitted.
5) The set of certificates which are not associated with the Load Line in
use are to be placed in a sealed envelope and placed in the Master’s
custody.
6) Upon owners request for change of freeboard a surveyor from the
Classification Society (preferably an exclusive surveyor) must
supervise/verify that the un-associated marks are painted out
and the new marks are painted in. The certificates pertaining to the
old marks shall be placed in a sealed envelope by the Classification
Society surveyor and left in the custody of the Master.
7) The Master is to make an official entry in the ship’s log on every
occasion the Load Line marks are changed.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Certificates of Survey and
International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
Date Issued 16 January 1996 Section 4
Revision No. - Item 4.1
Date Revised - Page 1 of 2
Prior to issuing Certificates of Survey and International Tonnage Certificates (1969)
on behalf of the Administration, all Classification Societies and Malta Government
Surveyors shall apply for and obtain specific authorisation in writing from the
Directorate. This is dealt with on a ship by ship basis. Therefore, it is recommended that when Classification Societies or Malta
Government Surveyors are approached on such matters, they should advise the
shipowner to forward a request to the Directorate inorder that the necessary
authorisation is then issued to the pertinent Classification Society or Malta
Government Surveyor.
This authorisation is separate from that issued by the Directorate at the time of the
provisional registration of the ship under the Malta Flag in order for the Classification
Society to conduct surveys and issue the relevant statutory certificates for and on
behalf of the Administration.
Classification Societies and Malta Government Surveyors should bear in mind that:
1) Certificates of Survey and International Tonnage Certificates
(1969) should be issued in terms of the Merchant Shipping
(Tonnage) Regulations, 1989. Copies of these regulations are
made available upon request.
2) Certificates of Survey and International Tonnage Certificates
(1969) should be issued on the relative forms made available
by the Administration.
3) Pleasure yachts having a length under 24 metres (Article 2(8)
should only be issued with a Certificate of Survey (Tonnage
Measurement - Form MS(R)19c) in terms of the Merchant
Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations, 1989. Form MS(R)19c is
available from the Directorate.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Certificates of Survey and
International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
Date Issued 16 January 1996 Section 4
Revision No. - Item 4.1
Date Revised - Page 2 of 2
4) Upon the issuance of the certificates, Classification Societies and
Malta Government Surveyors should ensure that the original
Certificate of Survey and a copy of the International Tonnage
Certificate (1969) are forwarded to the Directorate.
5) Under the section headed “Remarks” in the International Tonnage
Certificate (1969), there should be inserted a breakdown of the gross
and net volumes.
6) At the top right hand corner of the International Tonnage Certificate
(1969) there should be inserted the vessel’s IMO Number (LR
Number).
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Certificates of Survey and
International Tonnage Certificate (1969) Forms
Date Issued 26 August 1996 Section 4
Revision No. - Item 4.2
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Various recognised Classification Societies have requested our agreement inorder
that the certificates are issued on their own computer-generated forms.
However, Classification Societies should ensure that the computer-generated forms
are in the same format of the Certificate of Survey and International Tonnage
Certificate (1969) issued by the Directorate. The International Tonnage Certificate
(1969) should comprise of four pages. Moreover, at the top right hand corner of the
Certificate of Survey the ship’s IMO number (LR number) is to be inserted.
Classification Societies intending to issue the certificates on computer-generated
forms are further requested to notify this Directorate accordingly and forward draft
copies of either certificate for approval by the Directorate.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Statutory Certificates
Date Issued 06 May 1996 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.1
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
The expiry dates and copies of all statutory certificates issued on behalf of the
Government of Malta by the recognised classification societies are to be regularly
communicated to this office.
This will ensure that records held at the Administration are maintained up to date.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Notification of
Withdrawal of Class
Date Issued 09 January 1995 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.2
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
When a decision is taken by the Classification Committee to withdraw Class for a
Maltese registered vessel, communication to this effect must reach this
Administration within 24 hours of the decision. The notification of withdrawal of
Class must also include reasons for same.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Survey Status Report
Date Issued 15 March 1996 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.3
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Classification Societies must submit a copy of the Quarterly Statutory Survey Status
Report that is normally forwarded to owners of Malta registered vessels.
As a minimum, the Statutory Survey Status Report should indicate:
1) Class status
2) Validity dates of statutory certificates including due dates of annual
and intermediate surveys.
3) Outstanding recommendations and their due dates.
Classification Societies providing access to the mentioned information contained on
their web site are not required to forward this documentation.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Change of Flag Procedures
Date Issued 24 April 1998 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.4
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Whenever a vessel is changing flag to Malta the vessel’s Classification Society must
submit the following information:
1) Confirmation of class, including any limitations and a copy of
the class certificate or an attestation clearly stating the type of
ship and assigned class notations.
2) Expiry dates of all statutory certificates, including ISM
certificates, issued under the previous flag.
3) Full details of any outstanding recommendations and/or
exemptions on both class and statutory certificates. When no
recommendations or exemptions exist, then a statement by the
Classification Society to this effect will suffice.
With respect to existing Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan and Cargo
Securing Manual on a vessel intending to register under Malta Flag, the
Classification Society is authorised to issue a Conditional International Oil Pollution
Prevention Certificate and a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate valid for two
months pending approval of the plan and manual inorder to allow for re-approval of
same.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Approval of Grain Loading Booklet,
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)
and Cargo Securing Manual (CSM)
Date Issued 23 February 1999 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.5
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Recognised Classification Societies have been authorised by this Administration to
review and approve for and on its behalf:
1) the Grain Loading Booklet and issue the “Document of authorisation
for the carriage of grain” in accordance with the requirements laid
down in SOLAS 74 Chapter VI Part C.
2) the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan in accordance with the
requirements laid down in MARPOL 73/78 Annex I Regulation 26
3) the Cargo Securing Manual in accordance with the requirements laid
down in SOLAS 74 Chapter VI Regulation 5
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Harmonised System of Survey and Certification
SOLAS Certification for Cargo Ships
Date Issued 11 May 2000 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.7
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
SOLAS 74/88 Chapter I Part B Regulation 12(a)(v)(1) refers.
All Classification Societies are reminded that safety certificates shall be issued in
accordance with Regulation 12(a)(ii), 12(a)(iii) and 12(a)(iv) and these are not to be
consolidated into one certificate as per Regulation 12(a)(v)(1), namely the Cargo
Ship Safety Certificate.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Cargo Gear Surveys
Date Issued 20 July 2000 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.8
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
All recognised Classification Societies are kindly requested to note that the Dock
Safety Regulations, 1953 were recently amended by Legal Notice 114 of 1999 and
this Administration has now adopted the "Five Year Cycle” with respect to the
thorough examinaton and re-testing of Cargo Gear and Lifting Appliances onboard
Maltese registered vessels. This is also applicable to foreign ships calling at ports in
Malta.
This amendment is to be adopted with immediate effect.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
ISM Certificates
Date Issued 2 February 2004 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.9
Date Revised - Page 1 of 2
With immediate effect Recognised Organisations (RO) acting for or on behalf of this
Administration shall require specific authorisation from this Office for the issuance of
ISM Certification namely Interim DOC, Interim SMC, DOC and SMC.
This authorisation is also required whenever there is a change in company.
During the audits, auditors are to verify that a “Declaration of Company” as per
attached, duly completed by the shipowner and endorsed by this Office is
available.
A copy of any ISM Certificate issued on our behalf is to be sent to this office
immediately by fax and a hard copy within one month.
In case of urgent matters relating to ISM, Mr Albert Gruppetta may be contacted
(outside office hours) on MOB No +35679434317
INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT (ISM) CODE DECLARATION
DECLARATION OF COMPANY
Under the ISM Code, a Company must be declared to the Administration. In accordance to section 1.1.2. Of SOLAS Chapter IX (ISM CODE), company means the Owner of a ship or any other organization or person such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, who assumed the responsibility for operation of the ship from the shipowner. And who on assuming such responsibility has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibility imposed by the Code. The undersign affirms that: Name
Address
Telephone Fax
Telex E-mail:
Is the Owner of the following Maltese registered Ship(s): Ship Name Official No. IMO Number
In accordance with section 3.1 of the ISM Code, if the entity who is responsible for the operation of the ship is other than the above stated owner, the owner must report the full name and details of such entity to the Administration. As such is the case here, the undersigned affirms that: Name
Address
Telephone Fax Telex E-mail Designated Person Ashore (DPA) After Office Hours Contact Number Is the “Company “ responsible for all the requirements imposed by the Code for the Ship(s) listed above The undersigned further understands that the Administration must be notified in writing of any changes in the above ----------------------------- Name of Signatoree
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Attendance during Surveys, Audits and Verifications held in Malta Date Issued 9 May 2005 Section 5
Revision No. - Item 5.10
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Administration Requirement Section 5 Item 5.6 issued on 24 April 2000 is hereby
revoked.
All Recognized Organizations are hereby informed that officials from this
Administration will be attending statutory surveys, ISM audits and ISPS verifications
that are carried out on board Maltese registered ships whilst within Maltese ports or
territorial waters. Similarly, officials from this Administration will attend any ISM
audits carried out at Companies based in Malta that operate Maltese registered
ships.
The aforementioned requirement is applicable to all Recognized Organizations
irrespective of whether or not these organizations have a local office.
The Recognized Organization shall notify this office in writing, as early as possible,
but at least 2 working days in advance, thereby enabling officials from this
Administration to proceed with the necessary arrangements to attend the
surveys/audits/verifications.
Malta Maritime Authority Merchant Shipping Directorate Maritime House, Lascaris Wharf Valletta VLT 01 MALTA
Dynamically Supported Craft General requirements for lifejackets
Date Issued 17 June 2005 Section 6
Revision No. - Item 6.1
Date Revised - Page 1 of 1
Reference Section 8.3 of Chapter 8 of the “Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft” (IMO Resolution A.373(X) as amended). All craft to which the Code applies shall be equipped with lifejackets compliant with the requirements laid down in Section 2.2 of Chapter 2 of the International Life-Saving Appliances Code.