Notice by the Merchant Shipping Directorate to Shipowners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters, Owners’ Representatives and Recognised Organisations

The Directorate would like to remind all concerned of the applicable rules relating to the conservation and management of high seas fisheries. In particular, attention is drawn to the relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) rules applicable in the area of the vessel’s operations. More information may be accessed on: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/international/rfmo/index_en.htm 

It is important to highlight that, in terms of the various RFMO rules, the definition of fishing vessels may extend to support ships, including transshipment and bunkering operations, thereby making such rules also applicable to merchant ships involved in such operations. Therefore, masters and operators of ships that are going to engage or might be engaged in such activities are strongly advised to follow the relevant regulations.

To this effect, the use of Maltese ships in any violation of the legislation in force, may be considered as being against the interest of Malta and of Maltese shipping and may lead, inter alia, to closure of registry and inclusion in the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) vessel list issued regularly based on IUU vessels identified by RFMOs.

For further details, contact us on:

Tel: (00356) 21 651387
Fax: (00356) 21 651384
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.combinedmaritime.com