The Fishing Vessel Register

The primary objective of the Fishing Vessel Register is to register fishing vessels under the classifications established by the Department in accordance with S.L. 425.07. The Register covers vessels in the MFA, MFB and MFC categories.

Differences between vessel categories and permitted fishing activities

MFA and MFB are professional vessel categories, meaning that catches landed by these vessels may be marketed. MFA vessels operate on a full-time basis, whereas MFB vessels operate on a part-time basis. Consequently, the Department requires an MFA vessel to register catches of a higher value than an MFB vessel.

MFC vessels are vessels that cannot commercialize their catch. Other than this they are also restricted in the gears that can be used.

Related services offered by the Fishing Vessel Register

The section’s responsibilities extend beyond vessel registration. The Fishing Vessel Register issues licences that must be renewed annually and, in a timely manner, issues special seasonal fishing authorisations in accordance with ICCAT rules and EU legislation.

Requests for vessel transfers have also become increasingly common in recent years. These requests include transfers between vessel owners and transfers to heirs following the death of a vessel owner. The Fishing Vessel Register also processes vessel replacement requests, such as requests to replace inefficient fishing vessels with more reliable and seaworthy vessels.

Other services offered by the Fishing Vessel Register include:

• The removal or addition of engines, on vessels
• Change of gears
• Change of owner’s contact details to include any change of address
• Change of master
• Change of fishing vessel category
• Change of fishing vessel details such as name or colour
• Addition or removal of VHF radio
• Cancellations of fishing vessels

For more information about these services please contact the Fisheries Registration Office on 22926805/06/08

Download Application Forms:

Application for Fishing Vessel Crew
Application (TM) for Replacement of Fishing Vessel
Application (MCA) for Vessel Replacement within the Maltese Fishing Vessel Register

Download Checklist of Documents required:

Transfer of Professional Fishing Vessel MFA & MFB
Transfer of Recreational Fishing Vessel MFC
New Registration for MFC