Effective 1 June 2025 the Malta Maritime Registry will commence the issuance of electronic certificates.

Electronic certificates will make Malta more competitive in a maritime industry that increasingly demands greater efficiency transparency and accessibility.

Legal validity of electronic certificates

In accordance with the Merchants Shipping Act, Cap 234 of the laws of Malta, electronic certificates shall be recognised as original documents for all navigation, regulatory, and compliance purposes. Paper certificates issued prior to 1 June 2025, shall remain valid until their stated expiry date and must continue to be retained on board the vessel.

A list of certificates which shall be issued electronically as of the indicated date, is being annexed to MS Notice 193 and may be consulted at maltashipregistry.gov.mt

Key Features of the New E-Certificates

All electronic certificates issued to Maltese-registered vessels shall comply with the internationally accepted standards and shall include the following security features:

• Validity and consistency with the format and content required by the relevant international standard, including the IMO’s FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2; and
• Protection from edits, modifications, or revisions;
• A unique tracking number for verification purposes;
• Reliable and secure verification via a secure digital platform;
• A printable and visible symbol confirming the source.

Format and Verification

Certificates shall be issued in electronic PDF format and shall feature a QR code in place of a handwritten signature from the Registrar.

Verification of a certificate’s authenticity may be carried out either (a) online, or by (b) scanning the QR code with a standard smartphone connected to the internet, allowing instant verification without the need for third-party applications, or (c) offline, by using the DigSig Authenticator app, which enables access to certificate details even when no internet connection is available.

In light of the above, shipowners, operators, managers, and other concerned stakeholders are advised to acquaint themselves with the electronic certification procedures. This development represents a key improvement in streamlining administrative processes for vessel owners, port state control authorities, and onboard personnel. It also contributes to a more secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable certification framework. A copy of the MS Notice 193, a copy of which follows this insight, should be kept on board and make accessible to port state control officers and other interested entities.

Contact us today on yachts@acumum.com for more information.