Manning
Malta has acceded to IMO Convention STCW 1978. Maltese ships are subject to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act and ancillary regulations concerning the competency of officers and seamen.
There are no restrictions imposed on the nationality of the master, officers and crew engaged on Maltese Ships.
A Valid Minimum Safe Manning Certificate must be carried by all Maltese merchant ships of 500 gross tonnage and over. On the entry of a ship in the Malta register, the Merchant Shipping Directorate will issue a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate valid for five years from the date of provisional registration. Thereafter, prior to the expiry of the certificate or upon any change in the equipment, construction or trading of the ship, the Directorate will issue a new certificate again valid for five years to coincide with the date of the renewal of the certificate of registry.
The minimum safe manning guidelines shown below incorporate those contained in IMO Resolution A.890(21). Specific requirements will be considered although a practical demonstration of the ability of the crew may be required.
Certification
Certificates of competence are issued only after successful completion of approved courses of training and, examinations held in Malta.
The Maltese Administration has entered into bilateral agreements with a number of foreign maritime Administrations for the recognition of certificates of competence issued to seafarers after having ascertained that such certificates are issued in full compliance with the STCW Convention.
Conditions and Employment
A contract of employment in the form of a crew agreement must be made between the master and seamen.
A crew agreement must contain the following details:
- Personal details of each member of the crew;
- The time at which each seafarer is to be onboard or to begin work;
- The capacity in which each seafarer is to serve;
- The amount of wages for each seafarer;
- Agreed leave;
- Disciplinary provisions;
- A list of persons under the age of 18 years and their birth dates.
Minimum Safe Manning Guidelines for Cargo Ships
Deck Department
|
Gross Tonnage
|
Under 500
|
500 - 999
|
1000 - 1599
|
1600 - 2999
|
3000 - 4999
|
5000 - 14999
|
15000 & Over
|
|
Master
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
Chief Officer
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
Officer in Charge of a navigational watch
|
-
|
1(1)
|
1(1)
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
|
(1) In Restricted Trading, One Deck Officer may be omitted.
|
|
Deck Rating
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
Note: At least two Deck Officers must be holders of a recognised GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (G.O.C), or otherwise vessel must carry a dedicated Radio Officer, holder of at least a recognised GMDSS General Operaltor's Certificate (G.O.C)
Engine Department
|
Kilowatts
|
350-750
|
751-1500
|
1501-3000
|
3001 - 7450
|
7451 - 11200
|
11201 & Over
|
|
Chief Engineer
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
Second Engineer
|
1(1)
|
1(1)
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
(1) On ships with UMS documentary evidence, one Second Engineer may be omitted.
|
|
Officer in Charge of an Engineering watch
|
-
|
-
|
1(2)
|
1(2)
|
1(2)
|
2(2)
|
|
(2) On Ships with UMS documentary evidence, one Engineer Officer may be omitted.
|
|
Engine Rating
|
1
|
1
|
2(3)
|
3(3)
|
3(3)
|
3(3)
|
|
(3) On Ships with UMS documentary evidence, one Engine Rating may be omitted.
|
Note: On Tankers of 1000 GT and over, an additional Engine Rating is required.