Malta Commercial Yacht Code (CYC) 2025 Launched

As one of the world’s most respected and widely used flags for superyachts, Malta recently launched the updated Malta Commercial Yacht Code (CYC) 2025 (the ‘Code’), which came into effect on 1st July 2025.

The revised Code replaces the previous 2020 edition and introduces a number of key regulatory changes that yacht owners, managers, and industry stakeholders need to be aware of, particularly those operating commercial yachts over 24 metres carrying up to 12 passengers.

So, what’s new in the Malta Commercial Yacht Code?

The Commercial Yacht Code 2025 strengthens Malta’s already robust regulatory framework and includes updated standards in the following areas:

Structural & Machinery Safety

• Enhanced requirements for hull strength, watertight integrity, and onboard equipment.
• Machinery systems, electrical safety (such as fire-resistant cabling), and ventilation upgrades now mandated.

Stability & Freeboard

• Tighter rules around intact and damage stability may require design or operational modifications.
• New minimum freeboard standards ensure improved safety during heavy weather operations.

Life-Saving & Emergency Equipment

• Vessels must carry fully compliant liferafts, EPIRBs, immersion suits, and safety training documentation aligned with the latest international standards.

Transition Period

Yachts currently certified under CYC 2020 must ensure compliance by their first renewal survey after 31st December 2025. All new registrations from 1st July 2025 must adhere to the 2025 standards.

Why it Matters

The new Code underscores Malta’s continued commitment to safe, compliant, and high-quality commercial yacht operations. For owners, this update is not only about regulatory adherence, it’s about ensuring the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, and future-proofing.

Yachting in Malta

As a maritime hub, Malta’s success can be traced far back into its history. Its location in the centre of the Mediterranean has given it strategic importance over the years, with it now being recognised as an entry port to the EU. Together with its natural harbours and an extensive range of maritime services, including shipbuilding and repair, Freeport, bunkering, ship supplies and towage services; it is to no surprise that it has gained its reputation today as one of the world’s leading maritime jurisdictions. Advantages of the Malta flag, include:

• Reliability – Malta has a very good reputation. It is the largest flag in Europe and the sixth largest in the world with over 46 million registered tonnes.
• Efficiency – The processes to register a company and/or a vessel in Malta are both quick and straightforward.
• Security – Maltese law offers security to financiers/mortgagees of Maltese registered vessels.
• Cost-effective – With low company formation and yacht registration costs, Malta is a cost effective option.
• Flexibility – There are no restrictions on the nationality of the shareholders and directors of Maltese companies, nor on the nationality of the Master, officers and crew carried on board Maltese yachts. Malta also has no restrictions on the sale or transfer of shares of a Company owning a Maltese yacht.
• Service – The Maltese Shipping Registry offers a 24-hour service, seven days a week in respect of urgent matters.
• Eligibility – Non-Maltese Companies can still own Malta flagged yachts.

Looking to Register Your Yacht in Malta?

At Sentient International, we understand the flag under which your yacht is registered can have significant implications for your vessel’s legal status, operational flexibility, taxation, and even your personal privacy.

Whether you’re a yacht owner, charter company, or maritime professional, we offer comprehensive information and assistance to help you navigate the world of yacht registration and flag administration.

We provide tailored yacht registration services, offering advice on suitable flag states, managing the process end-to-end, and ensuring ongoing compliance with evolving codes like CYC 2025.

If you have any questions or are looking for support with transitioning your vessel to the new code or registering your vessel in Malta, please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements and see how we can assist.